Natalia Montaño, Colombian businesswoman and founder of Aguamarina Schools, is the cover subject of Ejecutiva Magazine, a publication that highlights female leadership and entrepreneurship. The feature, announced in a press release distributed by NOTICIAS NEWSWIRE, spotlights Montaño's innovative vision that has made Miami the starting point for an educational project with a presence in the United States, Mexico, and Colombia. This recognition matters because it signals the growing impact of women-led ventures in education and the potential for scalable academic models to cross borders.
The magazine highlights Montaño's business leadership, her commitment to transforming education, and her ability to develop an academic model that combines excellence, emotional well-being, critical thinking, and the formation of future leaders. The choice of Montaño as the protagonist of this edition coincides with another important 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. These twin accolades underscore her rising profile as an entrepreneur whose work is being celebrated on both the business and education stages.
Under Montaño's leadership, Aguamarina Schools has developed the educational philosophy “Kind & Cool,” which integrates academic learning with values, creativity, autonomy, and social responsibility. Currently, Aguamarina has three campuses in Miami, located in Brickell, South Miami, and Downtown Miami, as well as a presence in Mexico City and Bogotá. In a statement, Montaño said, “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.” This philosophy positions the school as a model for holistic education that could influence how other institutions approach early childhood learning.
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. The family involvement adds a layer of sustainability to the project, suggesting a long-term commitment to educational innovation.
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. With this cover, Ejecutiva Magazine recognizes not only an outstanding businesswoman but also a woman who is helping to redefine education for new generations. The full article and interview with Natalia Montaño can be read at Natalia Montaño: the educator redefining teaching in Miami | Ejecutiva Magazine. For readers in the education sector, Montaño's recognition signals that innovative, values-driven school models are gaining traction and could shape future investments and partnerships in the education market.
