Julian Montes

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT JULIAN MONTES

As a creative and community advocate with a deep-rooted passion for storytelling, I work to elevate the idea of “anyone can lead anytime, anywhere” through compelling photography, videography, and live productions. It’s about framing the powerful stories of people who exercise leadership and what impact they have in their unique contexts. I believe that storytelling and a nuanced understanding of culture can empower others to explore leadership in new, innovative ways, sparking fresh ideas and collaborations. After all, leadership begins with each of us and grows through connection. I am actively involved at the intersection of culture, community, and civic engagement. I proudly volunteer with the Kansas Hispanic Education and Development Foundation and previously served as Communications Team Lead for the Young Latino Professionals of Wichita. I’ve also contributed as a technical advisor to the Kansas Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission in the past and currently serve as a Field Representative for the Kansas Arts Commission, supporting creative ecosystems across southwest and south-central Kansas. In addition to my professional work and volunteering, I am actively accomplishing a dream of being a documentary filmmaker. My inaugural film, Por el Amor a la Cultura: For the Love of the Culture, was a 2024 Official Selection to the 22nd Annual Tallgrass Film Festival. It explored a love of culture and what it might mean to make home feel more like home. Outside of work, you’ll find me unwinding with my wife, Krissy, and our dog, Daphne, exploring Wichita’s College Hill neighborhood, savoring life’s small joys. Whether behind the camera, on a community call, or playing guitar, I’m driven by a commitment to storytelling, connection, and creative expression.