Elaine Montilla

ou know the feeling—being the only woman in the room, rarely seeing another soul in the ladies’ room, or worse, being mistaken for someone’s assistant. For many women in tech and leadership, “making it” often means learning to succeed in spaces where the boys' club still quietly holds power. In this honest and empowering talk, Elaine Montilla draws from her own journey as a Latina, immigrant, and LGBTQ+ executive who rose through the ranks of male-dominated industries. She shares practical strategies for overcoming bias, claiming your voice, building confidence, and navigating unspoken power dynamics. Elaine speaks directly to the challenges that women—and especially women of color—face in corporate and tech spaces, offering insights to break past barriers, set boundaries, and lead with authenticity. This session is perfect for ERGs, women’s leadership programs, and professional development series aiming to equip women with the tools to thrive, not just survive.

As AI reshapes our workflows and automation transforms our industries, one truth becomes increasingly clear: the future of work is not just about technology—it’s about humanity. In this forward-looking keynote, Elaine Montilla explores why human-centered leadership is the competitive edge organizations can’t afford to ignore. Drawing on her experience as a technology executive and advocate for inclusive innovation, Elaine makes the case for putting empathy, inclusion, and trust at the heart of every digital transformation. She shares practical strategies for cultivating psychologically safe teams, balancing efficiency with equity, and empowering employees to thrive in the age of AI. This talk inspires leaders to embrace the “soft skills” that now carry hard value—and reminds audiences that progress doesn’t come from code alone, but from the people behind it.

Empathy isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a leadership imperative. In this talk, Elaine Montilla explores how radical empathy can transform workplaces into thriving ecosystems of trust, collaboration, and innovation. She shares personal stories and practical methods for moving from performative to proactive empathy, teaching leaders how to build emotional intelligence into everyday decision-making. Audiences will learn how to listen more deeply, lead with vulnerability, and build connections that bridge identity, background, and belief. Ideal for leadership teams, HR professionals, and organizations looking to strengthen their culture from the inside out, this session equips attendees with the mindset and tools to lead with heart—because culture change begins with courageous conversations.