By: Jay Feldman
From a small town in Puerto Rico to the bustling halls of Congress, Iza Montalvo has made a name for herself.
Her journey from an award-winning bilingual journalist to a media executive and now a sought-after consultant highlights her abilities to shape influential narratives.
Picture this: She grew up in a town of just 23,000 people. Fast forward, and she’s leading bilingual communications for two U.S. Congressmen and working behind the scenes on presidential campaigns.
But that’s not where her story starts.
For more than a decade, Montalvo was the one chasing the stories. As a news reporter, TV producer, radio host, and media executive, she covered everything from massive protests in Times Square to Barack Obama’s first rally in Florida as a presidential candidate.
During her career, she has interviewed high-level political figures like former U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio.
“I’ve seen it all, and now I’m using that insider knowledge to help brands like yours be seen, heard, and lead with influence,” she says.
Her experience as a congressional staffer further expanded her expertise. Advising U.S. Congress members, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and non-profits, she learned how media dynamics could be leveraged to promote civic and social engagement.
“This role was crucial for me. It showed me how communicating cultural nuances effectively could make a difference,” she explains.
In 2017, Montalvo founded Olán Media Group, recognizing a gap in the market. Under her leadership, Olán quickly became known for its culturally resonant content creation and strategic communication consultancy.
“I wanted to create a company that bridges gaps between cultures and addresses their unique needs,” Montalvo says.
One of her standout projects was the launch of “Jevas Combativas,” the first feminist Spanish-language media brand in the U.S. This initiative highlighted her commitment to elevating Latina voices and challenging societal norms. “Jevas Combativas is about empowering women and creating content that speaks to their experiences,” she states.
The goal was to transform the perception of a “jeva combativa,” challenging the negative connotations associated with “jeva” in certain Latin American countries.
For the Jevas Combativas brand, a “jeva” embodies an empowered woman who leads confidently and expresses her opinions without fear. This redefinition seeks to reclaim and elevate the term, turning it into a symbol of strength and assertiveness for women across Latin America and beyond.
Montalvo’s work has been widely recognized. She received the U.S. Congressional Record during Hispanic Heritage Month and Women’s International Month. She was also selected for prestigious programs like the Poynter Leadership Academy for Women in Media and the Google News Initiative, which shows her influence in media leadership and entrepreneurship.
Central to Montalvo’s mission is her Cross-Culture Connect Framework. This coaching method helps leaders in media and other fields build their personal brands and share their stories on multiple platforms.
“I’ve coached well-known thought leaders in media strategies and public speaking,” Montalvo shares.
Her influence goes beyond coaching. Montalvo actively participates in public dialogues about misconceptions surrounding Latinas, advocates for diversity strategies within companies, and builds cross-cultural relationships. “I believe that diversity should lead conversations and drive actions that transform societies,” she says.
Today, Iza Montalvo focuses on advising brands on how to use cultural prowess to build influence. “As a Latina entrepreneur, I know firsthand the power of using your real voice and story to build a brand that resonates across cultures,” she emphasizes.
To follow Iza Montalvo’s journey:
Twitter: @izamontalvonews
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/izamontalvo
Website: www.izamontalvo.com
Published by: Nelly Chavez
