From a childhood shaped by instability to a career dedicated to building pathways of opportunity, The Stronger Podcast host, Mike Montoya, shares how resilience, education, and supportive adults can change the trajectory of a life and an entire generation.
Mike, a consultant with Stronger Consulting, reflects on growing up in 1970s Colorado Springs as the son of a barber and a homemaker, rooted in agricultural communities and first-generation aspirations. Though his parents never attended college, they made deliberate sacrifices to create better educational opportunities for their children. That commitment to upward mobility and purpose now anchors Mikeโs professional mission, shaping how he helps organizations stay grounded in why their work matters. His story underscores how values formed early in life often become the foundation for meaningful leadership later on.
He opens up about childhood adversity marked by unresolved trauma, emotional conflict, and unpredictability at home. Stability came through structured environments like Boy Scouts, swimming, church, and school programs, where trusted adults offered safety and consistency. As a teenager and later as a college student, Mike intentionally sought distance and growth, eventually attending Boston College before transferring to Colorado College, where he found confidence, belonging, and direction. These experiences ignited his passion for youth development and resilience research.
Mike shares how global travel with Up With People and later work at UC San Diego deepened his commitment to expanding access to education for underserved students. He explains why college remains a powerful lever for first-generation families, despite rising costs and systemic challenges. Drawing on his experience, he advocates for cradle-to-career pathways, community partnerships, and accountability beyond high school graduation alone.
Mikeโs story is a compelling reminder that investing in young people is both a moral and societal imperative. Tune in to hear why Mike believes we canโt afford to give up on education, and what it will take to ensure opportunity is truly within reach for every child.
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00:47 Growing Up in Colorado Springs
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05:03 Family Dynamics and Childhood Challenges
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06:54 High School and College Journey
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10:44 Discovering Youth Development and Early Career
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12:52 Up With People and a Global Perspective
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15:10 Building a Career in Youth Development and Education
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25:18 Reflections on Purpose and Future Aspirations
Links
Stay strong.
Episode 12