AJL Foundation's Co-Executive Director, Alece, wins national award for outsized impact! Exponent Philanthropy's 2024 Outsized Impact Award recognizes someone from an Exponent Philanthropy member organization whose work has achieved greater-than-expected results. Finalists demonstrate any of the following characteristics: 

  • Agility or responsiveness to community
  • Addressing an ignored or overlooked need
  • Engaging closely with the communities they fund
  • Creating connections or convening stakeholders
  • Inspiring others
  • Catalyzing change

Here's a bit about how Alece has achieved outsized impact that spans her professional and personal life...

2024ExponentPhilanthropyOutsizedImpactAward

Alece H.M. Montez
Co-Executive Director, AJL Foundation (Denver, CO)

Alece H.M. Montez has spent nearly 25 years fostering community connectedness across local government, education, and philanthropy. With a passion for uplifting marginalized and underserved communities, her leadership has created more connected, resourced, and hopeful spaces.

Championing Community-Driven Philanthropy

As Co-Executive Director at the AJL Foundation, Alece co-leads through a shared leadership model, grounded in inclusivity and equity. Her focus on community-driven grantmaking, impact investing, and policy advocacy has deepened the foundation’s relationships with the communities it serves, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity internally.

Empowering Communities

Alece’s behind-the-scenes work has unlocked potential in marginalized communities. One of her standout achievements is her involvement with the Sand Dunes Mushroom Cooperative, Colorado’s first employee cooperative for undocumented workers. She also serves on the Impact Advisory Committee for the CHAI Tenant Equity Vehicle Program, exploring ways to give renters a financial stake in state-funded affordable housing.

A Love-Centered Approach

Guided by a love-centered philosophy, Alece’s philanthropy is shaped by her lived experiences as a Hispanic woman, childhood cancer survivor, and teen mom. Her mantra, “nothing about us without us,” ensures that community voices drive decision-making processes. She is a tireless advocate for youth and families, especially those facing oppression and marginalization.

Building Bridges and Breaking Barriers

Alece’s approach blends a practical understanding of challenges with a hopeful vision for the future. She strives to bridge gaps between diverse groups and is fearless in advocating for those left out of economic and social progress. Her leadership style prioritizes building relationships and empowering others, ensuring that every community she encounters is left better resourced and connected.

See the original post from Exponent Philanthropy here, learn about the finalists.