Some people think that the key to success lies within their daily routine. Do you agree with this, and if so, what is your daily routine?
I wouldn’t necessarily agree that success lies within a daily routine. Personally, more than anything, I would argue that success comes naturally as a result of being consistent. For example, I am always working to truly understand myself, and once I have identified my key values, life mission, and goals, I am then consistent in implementing them.
Looking back at your teenage years, did you have any entrepreneurial interests?
Not necessarily. Growing up, I was always an extremely creative person, but I never had any entrepreneurial aspirations. Instead, my entrepreneurial journey began when I started to witness a desperate need for change in my community.
Is there a specific time of day when you feel most productive?
It depends. Most days, I am most productive around 9:30/10:00 AM to noon; however, I have days where I am extremely productive at night.
Do you think there is one character trait/skill that is important to have in order to become a successful entrepreneur in today’s world?
To be a successful entrepreneur, I believe that you must display adaptability, perseverance, and empathy. For adaptability, this characteristic is useful because we live in a world that is constantly changing, and oftentimes, being ready for change makes the difference between long-term success and failure. Regarding perseverance, this industry is filled with rejection; therefore, to be successful, people must learn to keep trying and never give up. Finally, we live in a world that is more diverse than ever in terms of ethnicity, points of view, and behaviors; thus, embracing diversity and having empathy is the key to creating a successful and welcoming environment.
Has being a woman in the business world affected you positively or negatively, and how so?
I have experienced moments when I am hesitant to show vulnerability as a female leader because I am afraid of being perceived as weak or delicate. In my line of work, there are often policy changes, federal inactions, or educational barriers that devastatingly impact my community, and I am always cautious of my reaction for fear of being labeled emotional or unstable. Regardless, I sincerely hope that through my actions and the way I present myself, I can potentially inspire others.
What is one major goal that you wish to achieve by 2030?
As an ongoing goal, I am always working to increase the impact and reach of my organization. More specifically, over the past years, Aliento has worked hard to transform Arizona’s climate from an epicenter of pain to an epicenter of hope for our immigrant community; therefore, by 2030, I would love to see a broader shift in our political climate that would exemplify this idea. By then, I would love for Arizona to be broadly perceived as a welcoming place for all, regardless of immigration status.
Who is your biggest influence and why?
I would say that my biggest influence in life is my family. Specifically, my father, whose deportation proceedings, paired with Arizona’s “show me your papers” law, kickstarted my drive towards advocacy. In 2013, I asked my community’s leaders to help prevent my father’s deportation; however, I received lukewarm responses and rejections because they labeled him a “bad immigrant” vs. a “good immigrant.” Regardless of their reactions, I was able to rally my community and stop his deportation. This experience allowed me to understand that our community was in desperate need of new leadership that centers impacted people.
If you could pick one female entrepreneur, who would you say is your biggest inspiration?
Personally, I wouldn’t be able to pinpoint one specific female entrepreneur who inspires me the most, but I am continuously in awe of my community’s local leadership as well as political officials who consistently push toward action. I am always cautious of leaders who are more performative in nature and promise change yet make no effort to implement those promises. I understand that action may be costly or terrifying, which is why the bravest and most inspiring thing someone can do is take initiative.
What has been the most formative advice you have received and why?
I wouldn’t necessarily call it advice, but I am often guided by Desmond Tutu, who stated, “that every bit of good where you are, it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” In my career, I have seen a lot of setbacks and roadblocks that have negatively affected myself and my community; therefore, this quote allowed me to see the importance of celebrating small victories and taking consistent action, no matter how small your actions may feel.
What has been the most impressive/memorable question anyone has ever asked you?
In a Voyage Pheonix interview, I was asked what I liked most about Phoenix as a city, and I loved answering that question because of its lightness. Oftentimes, I am asked emotionally draining questions about my father’s deportation or about DACA’s unstable future; therefore, it was a breath of fresh air to be able to answer a question about a city that I love.
If you have siblings, are they also entrepreneurs?
I do have siblings; however, they are not entrepreneurs.
Do you think the drive to become an entrepreneur is born with or is learned?
I am a firm believer that necessity is the mother of invention, meaning that entrepreneurs are made when the circumstances demand it. Of course, there are people born with natural charisma and leadership abilities; however, to truly become an entrepreneur, you need to learn how to successfully implement those skills and talents when the situation calls for it.
CONTACT INFORMATION & SOCIAL MEDIA The Aliento Team FOUNDER + CEO + BOARD MEMBER Phoenix, AZ Address: 4800-4700 N 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85018 website: https://www.alientoaz.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alientoaz/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reynamontoya/ and https://www.linkedin.com/company/alientoaz/ email: [email protected]