Steph Montelongo
It’s one thing to be dealt a difficult hand and persevere anyway. But Steph uses every experience she’s had to enrich the lives of others and help them any way she can.
What makes you feel proud?
I am powerful & still here. I’ve persevered through so many obstacles growing up as an undocumented, queer, woman of color here in Oklahoma City. After everything I’ve gone through and still continue to go through I am still here. I am nothing without the immigrant community and people who fight for me daily & empower me. I’m also great at storytelling behind the camera whether it be through images or videos.
Who is the biggest influence in your life? Why?
I would say the biggest influences in my life are the people who have poured love and knowledge in my life, both growing up and now. But especially when I was 16-22 years old. I want to be that for other youth.
“I’ve persevered through so many obstacles growing up as an undocumented, queer, woman of color here in Oklahoma City. After everything I’ve gone through and still continue to go through I am still here.”
What’s been the biggest obstacle in your life so far?
Getting to know myself, being okay with failing at things because failure is knowledge.
One year from today, how do you hope you’re different?
I hope I am more confident in my words and thoughts.
What’s the single biggest problem you’d like to solve in your community?
For the immigrant community to be free from all injustice. We should have the right to live our lives without constant fear.
steph is one of 100 women we have featured in the inaugural issue of Hundred Magazine. To learn more about her and the other 99 women, buy the issue.
