Meet Lalo Montoya

We recently connected with Lalo Montoya and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lalo , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from the passion I have for modeling and the desire to continue creating opportunities for others. After 10 years, I returned to modeling in Miami, which was a personal challenge, but also an opportunity to keep showing that it’s never too late to achieve our goals. Additionally, the creation of América International Models is a reflection of my commitment to personal and professional growth, not just mine, but for everyone involved in the competition. My resilience comes from facing my own fears, stepping out of my comfort zone, and moving forward, always focused on the legacy I want to leave.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

América International Models was created with the mission of providing an international platform for models from all over the world. The most exciting part of this project is seeing how participants from different countries achieve their dreams and transform into professional models, thanks to the support and training we offer. What makes this especially meaningful to me is how my experience as a model since 2015 has become a tool to help others break into the industry. Through this competition, I aim to not only provide an opportunity but also guide and train models so they can stand out internationally. In our first edition, held in May 2025 in Houston, Texas, we made history as the first male modeling competition in the city and the state of Texas, being pioneers in this type of event. We had 38 participants from more than 15 different countries, which was an incredible experience. I would like to take this opportunity to thank producer América Ávila for believing in me and trusting me to bring this project to life. In the coming months, there will be more editions of América International Models and exciting collaborations in the modeling world.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three most important skills and areas of knowledge in my journey have been:
1. Leadership: Leading a competition like América International Models requires decision-making, motivating a team, and maintaining a clear vision. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about giving instructions — it’s about inspiring and walking alongside others.
2. Effective communication: Whether working with models, producers, designers, or media, the way you communicate your vision is key. Knowing how to listen, speak clearly, and express what you want to achieve has been essential for moving forward.
3. Resilience and adaptability: This journey has come with many challenges — from returning to modeling after 10 years, to launching an international platform from scratch. I’ve learned not to give up when things don’t go as planned, but to adapt, reinvent myself, and keep moving forward.

My advice for those who are just starting is: surround yourself with people who believe in you, seek mentors, and don’t be afraid to fail. Skills develop with practice, but attitude is what truly opens doors. Believe in your vision, work with passion, and be ready to learn every single day.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

The biggest challenge I am currently facing is balancing the growth of América International Models with the demands of modeling and production. As the director, I am responsible for ensuring the competition grows in a solid and sustainable way, while continuing to work on my own modeling projects. To overcome this challenge, I have started delegating more tasks to a trusted team, which allows me to focus on the strategic and creative aspects of the competition. I am also looking for ways to automate certain processes and collaborate with other professionals to ensure that both the brand and my personal projects continue to grow at the same time

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Lalomontoya01
• Facebook: Lalo Montoya
• Other: Instagram @america_international_models