Montoya Whiteman

Growing up in a family of leaders, teachers, and artists, Montoya was taught to use her voice to help others. Working at AISES is one way for her to bring awareness to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) as life changing opportunities for Indigenous people and their communities. She has learned that that when we stand together, advocating for one another, incredible things can happen.

When Montoya joined AISES in 2017, she was the Director of Communications and Marketing, and is currently the Managing Director of Editorial and Special Projects. Montoya leads multifaceted projects for broad impact in STEM education and workforce development that aligns with the AISES mission and its goals.

One of the greatest rewards for Montoya is working with a dynamic creative team to produce the Winds of Change magazine – an acclaimed print and digital magazine with awards from National Native Media. Winds of Change is an impeccable publication for AISES members and is a channel for partners and organizations to engage with Indigenous STEM talent.

In her 26 years living in Colorado, Montoya has built lifelong connections through professional interactions with people at local and national nonprofits, businesses, and government. Her skills and professional attributes are important for successful communications, networking, community building, management, and leadership.

Montoya enjoys working with organizations to push them to excel in their work. Her perspective has earned her opportunities to work with the Denver Art Museum as a member of the Indigenous Community Advisory Council, and the Indigenous Media Freedom Alliance as a board member.

A proud graduate of Regis University, Montoya received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.

Montoya is an award-winning photojournalist. Her stories and images have appeared in print and video materials by local and national nonprofits, museums, television, and print and online media. This includes Winds of Change magazine, DiversityComm, Keep It Colorado, Friends of the Front Range, the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Tribune, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

In her spare time Montoya finds much inspiration at an expansive local wildlife refuge, where she volunteers her time. She also enjoys travel, taking landscape and wildlife photography, sewing, and exploring Colorful Colorado with her rescue dog, Tazi.