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Soledad Montañes was only three months old when her family emigrated from Montevideo, Uruguay, to Elmhurst, Queens, with a medical visa. Born with a rare eye condition, her parents sought medical care in the U.S. that was unavailable in South America. Their relentless pursuit of a better future instilled in her a deep determination, shaping her career as an educator. Growing up in Elmhurst, she didn’t initially realize the richness of her diverse neighborhood but quickly came to appreciate it. As a product of the NYC Department of Education in District 24, she formed friendships with people from all over the world, fueling her passion for travel and embracing different perspectives. After graduating from Newtown High School, she worked at the World Trade Center while attending college at night, aspiring for a corporate career. However, the events of September 11, 2001, altered her path, leading her to reflect on her roots and return to education to make a difference.

Soledad obtained her undergraduate degree from Queens College and began her teaching career at Leonardo Da Vinci, I.S. 61, in District 24. She spent over a decade teaching English Language Arts and Adult Education ESL while earning two master’s degrees in education, one in school building and district leadership. In 2016, she became Assistant Principal at P.S./I.S. 226 in Brooklyn, where she focused on creating a socially and emotionally intelligent learning community. After completing A.L.P.A.P., she became Project Director for a new middle school opening in District 24 in 2022, returning to serve the community that raised her. Now, as the proud founding principal of M.S. 419, she looks forward to each day, thinking of ways to innovate, amplify, and expose students to the vast opportunities available to them. With deep roots in this district, she sees herself reflected in the students and is committed to shaping their academic journeys and trajectories to success.