Betty Montero Speaks Up for Latina Women and Domestic Abuse Victims

Interview by Steph Greegor

Name: Betty Montero
Age: 30
Profession: Domestic Violence Advocate for Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein’s Office and Founder of Speak Out Latina
Neighborhood: South Side of Columbus/Groveport
One-word description: Resilient
Quote: “I am a runner and will be participating in the Columbus Half Marathon this fall for the fourth time.”
Connect: LinkedIn | Instagram

Betty Montero, 34, finds solace in her runs as she preps for her fourth Columbus Half Marathon, but it’s her commitment to shared experiences for Latina women and those who suffer domestic abuse that have made her such a valuable asset to the Columbus community.

“At work, I help victims of domestic violence understand and help with providing community resources to help them during this time. We work hard to make sure their rights are met and that we genuinely care for them,” said the Dublin Coffman High School graduate. “I have always been passionate about helping women who have been affected by violence. I’m extremely thankful that an opportunity presented itself and I get to do the work in this city.”

Speak Out Latina is Montero’s passion project.

“I wanted to provide a platform for women of Latin backgrounds to share their stories about their lives in the United States,” she said. “This is another way to build community with our shared experiences.”

Montero was born in the Dominican Republic and lived in Puerto Rico for most of her childhood before her family moved to Dublin, Ohio, when she was 15 years old. Now she calls the south side of Columbus, near Groveport, her home.

“The people are very friendly and it is very close to work,” said the Franklin University grad, who enjoys spending time with her son doing sports, movies, events, and just every day leisure activities.

“I also love participating in community events and occasionally do trainings and workshops related to family violence,” she said.

Montero loves eating at Brassica and wine tasting at Cooper’s Hawk. She highly recommends guests to Columbus check out the Park of Roses in Clintonville.

In her spare time, Montero enjoys volunteering, particularly with her 13-year-old son.

“I have volunteered at the Latino Festival and this year I get to volunteer at the Latino Book Fair,” she said. “My son and I have been mostly involved in volunteering at the church we attend.”

Betty was named to our annual list of 52 Young Professionals You Should Know in Columbus – one for every week in the year!
Meet the entire “Class of 2018” »