Leading with Pride and Purpose | Elaine Montilla
Elaine Montilla | Founder of 5xMinority
Why Representation, Mentorship, and Community Still Matter in Tech
As a queer Latina and immigrant in tech, I know firsthand what it feels like to not see yourself reflected in the rooms where decisions are made. That’s why I created 5xMinority, to amplify voices that have been overlooked, and to help build a future where leadership is more inclusive, more human, and more representative of the world we actually live in.
Volunteering with Last Mile has been one of the most meaningful parts of that work. It’s not just about helping students cross a financial finish line; it’s about helping them realize they belong here, in tech and beyond. Meeting Kerstyn was a powerful reminder of what happens when we invest time, not just money, when we make space for mentorship, community, and encouragement. Pride Month is a time to celebrate how far we’ve come, but also to keep pushing forward—for equity, for access, and for each other. I’m proud to stand with Last Mile and all the students rewriting what success looks like.
If you’d like to keep the conversation going, you can find me on LinkedIn or follow along at @5xminority on Instagram and substack. I also share reflections and resources on leadership, inclusion, and tech over on 5xMinority.com.
Elaine and Last Mile Recipient Kerstyn Myers during their virtual lunch and mentoring session.