Ejecutiva Magazine has selected Natalia Montaño, Colombian businesswoman and founder of Aguamarina Schools, as the cover subject of its latest edition. The feature spotlights her innovative vision that has established Miami as the launching pad for an educational project now operating in the United States, Mexico, and Colombia. The publication emphasizes her business leadership, her commitment to transforming education, and her ability to develop an academic model that integrates excellence, emotional well-being, critical thinking, and the formation of future leaders.
The timing of Montaño's cover appearance aligns with another significant recognition: on October 8, she was honored during the Top Entrepreneurs of USA Awards 2026, a ceremony organized by Negocios Magazine and Ejecutiva Magazine at the EB Hotel Miami. This dual acknowledgment underscores her growing influence in the business and education sectors, particularly within the Latin American community in the United States.
Under Montaño's leadership, Aguamarina Schools has developed the educational philosophy “Kind & Cool,” which blends academic learning with values, creativity, autonomy, and social responsibility. Currently, Aguamarina operates three campuses in Miami—located in Brickell, South Miami, and Downtown Miami—as well as a presence in Mexico City and Bogotá. This expansion reflects a strategic growth trajectory that positions the institution as a rising player in international education.
“At Aguamarina, we believe that children should learn in environments where they feel safe, heard, and capable of leading with purpose. Education is not just content: it is experience, community, and vision,” says Natalia Montaño. Her philosophy resonates with a broader shift in education toward holistic development, where emotional intelligence and leadership skills are prioritized alongside traditional academics.
Aguamarina's growth also represents a family legacy. Her husband, architect Roberto Salazar, co-founder of Aguamarina Elementary, and her daughter Luisa Salazar, co-founder and director of the school, actively participate in the development of the project. Luisa is also the founder of Planet Patrol Foundation, an initiative that promotes environmental education and children's leadership through conservation activities and community participation. This family involvement highlights the personal commitment behind the educational venture.
Montaño's story reflects the spirit of Ejecutiva Magazine: highlighting women who transform industries, create opportunities, and generate a positive impact on society. Her career demonstrates how an educational vision can become a business initiative with international reach, driven from South Florida. For readers interested in learning more about her journey, the full article and interview are available at Natalia Montaño: the educator redefining teaching in Miami | Ejecutiva Magazine. Additionally, NOTICIAS NEWSWIRE serves as a source for this announcement.
The implications of this recognition extend beyond Montaño's personal achievement. It signals the growing importance of innovative educational models in the business world, particularly those that emphasize emotional well-being and social responsibility. As Aguamarina continues to expand, it may influence how education is perceived and delivered across borders, potentially setting a benchmark for integrating values-based learning with academic excellence. Moreover, Montaño's feature in Ejecutiva Magazine reinforces the role of female leadership in driving economic and social development in the United States and Latin America.
