Speakers

Dr. LeAnne Salazar Montoya is an assistant professor of Educational Leadership and Policy at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she prepares the next generation of school leaders through teaching, mentorship, and research. With more than two decades of experience spanning K–12 classrooms, district administration, and higher education, she brings both scholarly expertise and practical knowledge to her work. Her research centers on equity, leadership representation, and the systemic barriers facing women and marginalized communities in education. She is the author and editor of several projects, including the Radiance anthology series and the forthcoming Dandelion Diaries, which highlight leadership journeys through authentic narratives and actionable strategies. Beyond the academy, Dr. Montoya is an advocate, coach, and national presenter, serving in leadership roles with the American Educational Research Association (AERA) and the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS). A proud first-generation scholar from rural New Mexico, she holds graduate degrees from the University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University, where she earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Sociology. Rooted in her identity as a mother, educator, and community leader, Dr. Montoya continues to champion resilience, representation, and reimagined pathways for future generations.