Meet Reyna Montoya of Aliento AZ in Mesa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Reyna Montoya.

Reyna, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in the Mexican border town Tijuana, which is just south of California. In eighth grade, we migrated to the United States. Speaking only Spanish, it was very difficult to be taken seriously by peers and my teachers. I grew this need to prove my potential always through my education. Soon enough, I was in high school. The power of education and knowledge was a constant motivator for me. I was an applied student and believed my hard work was enough to bring success; however, as an undocumented student at the time, I was shaken at the fact that a nine-digit number would be the biggest impediment and wall between myself and the pursuit of my education.

To be judged by a nine-digit number and barred from access to multiple resources offered a change of attitude. Having a 4.0 GPA or being at the top of your class did not guarantee a basket of opportunities for people like me. I realized I had to work twice as hard as my peers, who were citizens. That never stopped me. With the help of appropriate scholarships, I was able to fund my university degree at Arizona State University. I thought I was finally in the same steps as everyone else, despite not having had the benefits of being born in the United States and coming from an English-speaking household.

At the age of 19 in 2010, I became a student organizer as a result of the Arizona Law SB1070, also known as the “show me your papers” law. It allowed for racial discrimination as anyone of darker skin could and would be pulled over and interrogated about their immigration status lawfully. Taking on this role allowed me to remember that I have a voice and a story to share and fight for. Meeting other people coming from a similar walk of life as I did brought joy and ignited a sense of community. Since then, I have been captivated by others’ bravery and passion for social justice.

My journey soon took me to the classroom, where I taught at a 98% Latino high school. As a teacher, you become attached to your students, especially when knowing they come from a similar path as you did. During this time, I decided to find “Aliento” as my way of helping and giving back to my community. Through Aliento, I have been able to create a bridge between the trauma and action in the undocumented, DACA, and mixed-status community. As a youth-led organization, I have witnessed the bravery in being vulnerable from students and I am inspired by them. Aliento continues to provide that safe space and resources to those families who may feel vulnerable and targeted by a system that has not been built to cater to them.

Has it been a smooth road?
I grew up in one of the most conservative districts of Arizona, whose representative was the driver of anti-immigrant laws such as SB1070. At the same time, I was surrounded by wonderful neighbors who welcomed our family with home-made cookies. At that time, I was aware that politics are very disconnected from the realities we live in. In 2010, I started seeing so much fear in my community. My mom would be worried about raids and was concerned about us going outside. At that moment, I decided to lift my voice for those who were too afraid to do so. I shared my story at a Republican fundraiser to shine a light on who dreamers and undocumented youth really are.

We’d love to hear more about your organization.
Aliento is a non-profit leadership organization that is undocumented, DACA and youth-led. The Aliento team is comprised of directly impacted people and allies who are invested in the well being, emotional healing, and leadership development of those impacted by the inequalities presented by lacking an immigration status.

Through art, leadership development and advocacy, Aliento helps the community transform trauma, anxiety, and fear into hope and action. Most recently, we were able to raise over $25,000 in COVID-19 relief for the mixed-status, undocumented, and DACA community, as several families were left out of the CARES Act.

Aliento directly translates to “breath,” but when you give someone “aliento,” you are essentially giving them words of encouragement. With this idea, we transform “trauma into hope and action” through arts and healing workshops where people are welcome to express their emotions and feelings in different art forms, such as painting, poetry, and dance. We believe in the beauty of healing and turning it into something inspiring.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Mesa is the city I called home when I migrated to the United States. Although it was a big change of scenery, I grew to love it and all its intricacies. It has been wonderful seeing the community within it grow and prosper. I have been able to witness several changes that have inspired to me. The city is home to our office and our workshops, which bring different groups of people together to share a space full of expression and community.

Contact Info:

• Address: 1819 S Dobson Rd Ste. 214, Mesa, AZ 85202
• Website: alientoaz.org
• Phone: 4023022783
• Email: reyna@alientoaz.org
• Instagram: @alientoaz
• Facebook: Aliento AZ
• Twitter: @alientoaz

Image Credit:
Diego Nacho, Aliento AZ

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