Meet Astrid Montanez-Garay

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Astrid Montanez-Garay. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Astrid below.

Astrid, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

I grew up in a low-income household and was fortunate to attend private schools on full financial aid. Those spaces, however, were a completely different world. Most of my classmates came from wealth, and I was often one of the only students of color in the room. That experience taught me early how to navigate environments where I didn’t blend in and how to stand out for the right reasons.

When I studied engineering at Princeton, that feeling only deepened. I wasn’t just there to learn. I was a first-generation college student, carrying the weight of representation and the pressure to prove I belonged in spaces that didn’t reflect where I came from. That journey taught me how to adapt, trust my voice, and show up with confidence, even when no one else looked like me.

Today, in tech sales, I’m often the youngest person in the room, the only woman, and the only person of color. I’ve learned to lead with preparation, results, and presence. I let my work speak for itself, and I back it up with clarity, confidence, and a strong sense of purpose. I no longer see being the only one as a disadvantage. It’s a differentiator. I realize that I bring a perspective that no one else can and I also have earned the credentials, experience, and results to lead the conversation.

Over time, I’ve also realized that something as simple as showing up with positive energy can shift the dynamic in the room. People really do remember how you made them feel. That mindset has helped me connect with clients more meaningfully, advocate for those who feel unseen, and keep pushing for more inclusive leadership in this industry.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I work in tech sales, helping organizations modernize and scale their infrastructure through cloud solutions. What I love most about my role is the opportunity to speak directly with C-suite leaders and influence critical technology decisions that shape the future of their companies—all while being so young in my own career. It’s empowering to know that my work has real impact at an executive level.

Another part of tech sales that excites me is the financial upside. Being in a commission-based role with a strong base salary gives me the ability to scale my income based on my performance. That’s incredibly motivating, especially as someone focused on building generational wealth. I want to use this career not just to grow professionally, but to create long-term financial security for my family.

Outside of my 9-to-5, I’m also the creator behind @FintechLatina, a platform I started on Instagram to document my journey in tech and personal finance. I grew up in a low-income household, and financial literacy wasn’t something I had access to. Even though I was fortunate to attend great schools, I have realized that many people aren’t lacking drive; they’re lacking access to the right knowledge and resources. I aim to share those resources and knowledge on my page.

Now, as a first-time working mom to a 9-month-old son, my mission has become even more personal. I want to make sure my son grows up with the tools, habits, and mindset to thrive financially. Through @FintechLatina, I share career tips, financial strategies, and real-life experiences to help others who are on similar paths.

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?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, ambition, and relationship building.

Resilience has been essential from the very beginning. Growing up in a low-income household and often being the only one in the room who looked like me, whether in private school, at Princeton, or now in tech sales, meant I constantly had to push through doubt, discomfort, and pressure to prove myself. My dad used to tell me, “When you encounter obstacles, it means you’re moving forward.” That stuck with me. If I were not trying to change something, there would be no resistance. Just the fact that I am pushing toward something better means I am already making progress. Resilience does not mean you do not struggle. It means you keep going, especially when things feel hard.

Ambition gave me direction. Even when I did not have a clear path, I had a vision. That drive pushed me to apply to schools that felt out of reach, go after roles I was not perfectly qualified for, and build a platform, @fintechlatina, that now helps other women of color break into tech and grow their financial confidence. My advice to anyone early in their journey is simple: do not shrink your goals to fit your surroundings. Dream beyond what you know and take action that aligns with that dream, even if it feels uncomfortable. Surround yourself with people whose goals stretch you. Proximity to ambition will elevate your own.

Relationship building has been a game changer and it is not just about networking. It is about taking initiative and showing up with intention. One of the best examples is how I landed my current job, which helped me earn over $300,000 in a single year, something I never thought was possible. During my senior year of college, I applied to over 250 jobs with little response. One night in New York, at 3 a.m., I happened to meet a few recruiters at a pizza place. They worked for a company I had applied to but had not heard back from. I introduced myself, told them about my application, and they offered to help move my resume forward. That one moment of courage changed my life. It was the best decision I ever made.

To anyone just starting out, relationships are your runway. Do not wait to be chosen. Speak up, show up, and stay open to opportunities in unexpected places.

Together, these three traits—grit, vision, and connection—have helped me build a career I am proud of and now I have the goal of helping others have access to the same knowledge and resources to open doors for them as well.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

The number one challenge I am currently facing is the emotional and financial pressure of being a working mom who is trying to do it all.

I feel the weight of providing for my 9-month-old son (even with the support of an amazing husband!), being present for him in these early years, and still pushing to grow in a demanding tech sales career. I experience the mom guilt that so many working mothers carry, wondering if I am doing enough at home while also trying to be a top performer at work.

At the same time, I carry the financial responsibility of being a first-generation college educated daughter. My parents do not have a retirement plan in place, and I feel a deep responsibility to create security for them while also building generational wealth for my son. That dual pressure, of being both the safety net and the blueprint, can be overwhelming.

To manage this, I focus on staying organized, setting boundaries, and making intentional financial decisions. I’ve also been building additional income streams and being proactive about planning for both short-term and long-term goals. It’s a lot to juggle, but I try to take it one step at a time and remind myself that progress, not perfection, is what matters most.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechlatina/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/astridgaray/
• Other: Tiktok: @fintechlatina