Alex Montoya is one of America’s most popular and inspiring speakers. He has spent his life helping others focus on what they have, rather than what they don’t have. Alex speaks about overcoming adversity, defeating obstacles, and embracing the American spirit.

His message comes out of his own experience. He was born in Colombia with birth defects that left him with no arms and only one leg. Resources for the disabled were sparse in his country. It was only when a family member made a connection with a Shriners Hospital in California that Alex got the assistance he needed. At the age of five, he was fitted for his first prosthetic, and he was thrilled.

Alex excelled academically and made the long journey from San Diego High School to Notre Dame, where he embraced the opportunity to study and grow among interesting classmates from across the U.S. and world. He rarely missed an athletic event and was a huge fan of Irish women’s soccer. He lived in St. Edward’s Hall and played on its intramural soccer team. 

“Mostly,” laughed longtime friend Cort Peters, “he got in trouble for other people stealing his golf cart and taking it to the Backer.”

After ND, Alex earned a Masters Degree in sports management from the University of San Francisco and spent nearly a decade as Director of Latino Affairs for the San Diego Padres. Alex has written eight books, including a children’s book, and his company, A-MOtivational Communications, creates inspiring in-person and virtual talks. He carried the Olympic Torch and has a goal of delivering his message in 100 cities.

His book Living Inspired!: Motivating Your Kids, Colleagues, & Country asks the question:  If you devoted your life to pursuing only things that inspired you, how much more could you accomplish?

Alex has been involved with the ND Hispanic Alumni Club, won a Lifetime Achievement Award from the San Diego Hispanic Chamber and a Medal of Honor from the Colombian government. As a TedX speaker, he was named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International. He has spoken nationwide, at places such as Google, NASA, Harvard, Wells Fargo, the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute, the Denver Broncos, the National Association of Collegiate Athletic Directors, and the Ford Motors “Ford Driving Dreams” tour.

In 2020 he launched the Alex Montoya Podcast and the Alex Montoya Foundation to raise awareness of issues related to disabilities and immigration. The foundation’s mission is to provide motivational, educational, and inspiring presentations and support to immigrants, people with disabilities, and those who support them with equity and justice. It provides lessons in overcoming adversity; publicizes disability awareness and promotes equity for disabled persons; and promotes physical and mental wellness to communities in need.

A typical response to one of Alex’s presentations: “Thank you, Alex, for reminding us of the importance of being humble, believing in yourself, and the power that we all have inside us to overcome what seems impossible.”