SJU Alumni Relations is excited to recognize one of our dedicated alumni each month for their efforts and contributions. This month, we sat down with Maria Montero ’98 to ask her a few questions about being an alumni volunteer:
Please provide a quick background on your time at SJU (Class year, major, activities/involvement, residence/commuting experience, etc.):
Class of 1998
B.A. Political Science
Track and field
Alpha Phi National Sorority - Chaplain
SJU College Republicans
Where you are now?
I grew up in Northeastern Pennsylvania and Allentown. After SJU & Widener Law I moved back home and worked at a Worker's Compensation firm. Shortly thereafter, a major family event pulled me into the family business, El Torero Spanish Newspaper. It was an amazing opportunity to serve the Latino-Hispanic community of the Lehigh Valley. I also served in promoting women’s leadership in business and civics with a close-knit group of friends in co-founding the Power of Women Networking Initiative. I became very active in volunteering my time with social service organizations like Catholic Charities, CYO, and our Allentown Diocese's special learning schools. On the civic engagement side, I was logging many hours of donated time to different candidates throughout the Lehigh Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania. In 2011, Governor Corbett asked me to serve as the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Commission for Women and currently I am serving as the Executive Director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs. I love supporting educational excellence in our community, supporting economic development, and bridging connections.
What inspired you to volunteer with the SJU Alumni Association?
Mayor John D. W. Reiley ’57 inspired me to volunteer with St. Joseph’s University. His passion and commitment to our alma mater is above all others. Mayor Reilly reminded me of how much St. Joseph’s needs inspired, committed, and passionate alumni to support our alma mater as a promise for generations to come.
What is your favorite part of being an alumnus?
My connections with fellow Hawks around the Commonwealth have created amazing bonds that run deep. The alumni I have worked with have fully embraced ad majorem Dei gloriam. We strive to leave the imprint of the greater glory of God wherever we go.
Why do you recommend getting involved to other alumni?
Being a servant leader is an awesome calling. It brings happiness and fulfillment to our time here. Helping SJU brings so much joy in knowing that we as alumni can help mentor the next generation of Hawks.
Interested in volunteering with Maria? Learn more with ways to get involved.