Natalia Montaño, the Colombian businesswoman and founder of Aguamarina Schools, has been featured on the cover of Ejecutiva Magazine, a recognition that underscores the rising influence of a Miami-born educational model now operating in the United States, Mexico, and Colombia. The cover story, published by the magazine that spotlights female leadership and entrepreneurship, details how Montaño has built an academic philosophy that blends excellence, emotional well-being, critical thinking, and leadership formation.
The timing of the cover coincides with another significant honor: on October 8, Montaño was recognized at the Top Entrepreneurs of USA Awards 2026, a ceremony organized by Negocios Magazine and Ejecutiva Magazine at the EB Hotel Miami. Together, these acknowledgments signal that Montaño's approach to education is gaining traction beyond the classroom, positioning her as a business leader whose vision is reshaping how schools prepare students for a globalized world.
At the heart of Aguamarina Schools is the “Kind & Cool” educational philosophy, which integrates academic learning with values, creativity, autonomy, and social responsibility. Under Montaño's leadership, the network has expanded to three campuses in Miami—Brickell, South Miami, and Downtown Miami—as well as locations in Mexico City and Bogotá. This international footprint matters because it demonstrates how a locally developed model can scale across borders, offering a replicable framework for schools seeking to balance rigorous academics with emotional and social development.
“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,” Montaño said. Her words reflect a broader shift in education toward holistic development, and the magazine cover amplifies that message to a wider audience of business and community leaders.
The growth of Aguamarina also represents a family legacy. Montaño's husband, architect Roberto Salazar, co-founded Aguamarina Elementary, and her daughter, Luisa Salazar, serves as co-founder and director of the school. Luisa is also the founder of Planet Patrol Foundation, which promotes environmental education and children's leadership through conservation activities and community participation. This family involvement adds a layer of continuity and commitment that strengthens the project's long-term viability.
Ejecutiva Magazine's decision to feature Montaño on its cover reflects its editorial mission to highlight women who transform industries and generate positive social impact. Her story illustrates how an educational vision can become a business initiative with international reach, driven from South Florida. Readers interested in learning more can access the full interview through Natalia Montaño: the educator redefining teaching in Miami | Ejecutiva Magazine, while additional coverage from NOTICIAS NEWSWIRE provides further context on the announcement.
The implications of this recognition extend beyond one individual. By elevating Montaño, Ejecutiva Magazine not only celebrates female entrepreneurship but also validates a model that prioritizes emotional well-being alongside academic achievement. As Aguamarina continues to grow, its success may encourage other educators and investors to adopt similar approaches, potentially influencing how schools are designed and operated across the Americas.
