Montserrat Monreal, ALA ‘19 has blazed her own trail as a first-generation college student. After graduating from the Advanced Learning Academy, Montserrat earned her Bachelor of Business degree from St. Mary’s University. Initially a college intern at Generations Federal Credit Union, Montserrat worked her way into a full-time role as the Community Engagement Coordinator. In this role, she was able to connect with the community in meaningful ways, building a strong foundation for her professional career. While working at GFCU, Montserrat also earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Texas A&M Corpus Christi.
As she worked to earn her MBA and working full-time, Montserrat was simultaneously tackling personal milestones as well such as planning a wedding, purchasing a property with her husband, and getting married this past year. Furthermore, she has been an active and valued member of the CAST Alumni Network community, serving as a member of the CAST Alumni Advisory Council Steering Committee over the past year. Montserrat shared that balancing her various commitments has taught her how to manage her time and energy in a way that has shaped both her personal and professional growth.
Recently, Montserrat has stepped into a new role as a Senior Integrated Communications Coordinator at Brooks. In this new role, she will bring together her passion for community, storytelling, and strategic communication. Through reflecting on her own personal journey, Montserrat offers insightful advice to current CAST students, sharing that building your network can open doors to mentorship, opportunity, and community. Additionally, Montserrat emphasized the importance of personal well-being and mental health. “Make space for the things that bring you joy and remember that long‑term success is much more sustainable when you take care of yourself along the way.