Conversations with Wendy Montas Penzo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendy Montas Penzo.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey has been one of resilience, purpose, and service. As an immigrant, I understand firsthand the challenges of rebuilding your life while holding onto your dreams and values. My story began with a passion for helping others, empowering communities, and creating opportunities for growth especially for women, families, and individuals who often feel unseen or unsupported.

Throughout the years, I have dedicated myself to leadership, community service, and advocacy. What started as a desire to make a difference evolved into building initiatives, organizations, and platforms focused on education, empowerment, leadership development, and support for vulnerable communities. Through my work with Supporting Stronger Lives Foundation and Leaders Creating Leaders, I have been able to organize impactful events, leadership workshops, women’s empowerment initiatives, and programs that inspire transformation and healing.

One of the driving forces behind my journey has been the belief that leadership is about service. I have worked closely with survivors of domestic violence, immigrant families, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, creating spaces where people feel supported, inspired, and empowered to grow.

Today, I continue to expand my mission by creating meaningful events and programs that celebrate leadership, resilience, and community impact. While the journey has not always been easy, every challenge has strengthened my purpose and reminded me that true success comes from uplifting others and leaving a positive legacy.

I believe that where I am today is not only the result of hard work and perseverance but also of staying committed to a vision greater than myself: helping people recognize their value, step into leadership, and create lasting change in their communities.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a completely smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs, leaders, and immigrants, my journey has come with its share of challenges, sacrifices, and moments of uncertainty. Building something meaningful while balancing personal responsibilities, professional growth, and community work has required resilience, patience, and a strong sense of purpose.

One of the biggest struggles was navigating the challenges that come with being an immigrant while trying to create opportunities not only for myself but also for others. There were moments when resources were limited, doors did not always open easily, and I had to work harder to prove myself and establish credibility. Starting and growing organizations and community initiatives also came with obstacles financial limitations, balancing multiple responsibilities, and learning how to lead through difficult moments.

Another challenge has been carrying the emotional responsibility of serving others. Working with survivors of domestic violence, vulnerable families, and individuals facing hardship can be deeply rewarding, but it also requires emotional strength, compassion, and perseverance. There are times when the work is difficult, but seeing lives transformed makes every challenge worthwhile.

At the same time, those struggles shaped who I am today. They taught me resilience, leadership, faith, and the importance of staying committed to a purpose even when the path feels uncertain. Every setback became a lesson, and every obstacle strengthened my desire to continue creating impact, empowering others, and building spaces where people feel supported, inspired, and seen.

Looking back, I realize that the difficult moments were not barriers, they were part of the foundation that helped me become the leader and advocate I am today.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work is deeply rooted in leadership, community empowerment, advocacy, and creating meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth. I am the founder of Supporting Stronger Lives Foundation and Leaders Creating Leaders, organizations dedicated to empowering individuals, supporting vulnerable communities, and developing leaders through education, mentorship, and impactful events.

In addition to my leadership and nonprofit work, I worked as a Child Protective Specialist, supporting children and families during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. This experience allowed me to work directly with families in crisis, advocate for child safety and well-being, connect families to critical resources, and help strengthen family systems. Working closely with children and families deepened my compassion, strengthened my advocacy skills, and reinforced my commitment to protecting and empowering vulnerable populations.

I specialize in leadership development, community outreach, women’s empowerment, family advocacy, and creating programs that inspire transformation and healing. Over the years, I have worked closely with survivors of domestic violence, immigrant families, children, entrepreneurs, and aspiring leaders, helping connect them with resources, education, and supportive spaces that encourage growth and resilience.

I am also known for organizing impactful events that bring together professionals, community leaders, and changemakers to inspire, educate, and celebrate resilience. Through leadership workshops, empowerment conferences, networking experiences, and community initiatives, I strive to create spaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to step into their potential.

What I am most proud of is the real impact my work has had on people’s lives. Seeing women regain confidence, helping families access support, advocating for children, recognizing community leaders, and creating opportunities for others to grow has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. I am proud that the organizations and events I have built are not only about recognition but also about transformation, connection, and service.

What sets me apart is my genuine passion for serving others and my ability to turn vision into action. I lead with empathy, purpose, and authenticity. My work is not just about organizing events or building programs, it is about creating lasting change and helping people recognize their worth, strengthen their families, discover their leadership potential, and believe in what is possible for their future.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice to anyone just starting out is to believe in your vision, even when the path feels uncertain. Success rarely happens overnight, and the journey often comes with challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. Stay committed to your purpose, be patient with yourself, and understand that growth takes time.

One of the most important lessons I have learned is not to wait for everything to be perfect before taking action. Many times, we delay our dreams because we feel we are not ready, but growth happens through experience. Start where you are, use what you have, and trust that every step forward matters.

I would also encourage people to build meaningful relationships and seek mentorship. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, challenge you, and genuinely want to see you succeed. No one achieves success alone, and having a strong support system can make a tremendous difference.

Something I wish I knew when I was starting out is that setbacks are not failures, they are lessons. There will be obstacles, disappointments, and moments when things do not go as planned, but those experiences help shape your character, strengthen your resilience, and often redirect you toward something even greater.

Most importantly, never lose sight of why you started. Lead with authenticity, stay grounded in service, and remember that success is not only measured by accomplishments but by the positive impact you make in the lives of others. When your work is connected to purpose, it becomes much easier to stay motivated through the difficult seasons.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://leadercreatingleader.org
• Instagram: leadercreatingleader
• Facebook: wendy montas penzo
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-montas
• Youtube: @LeadersCreatingLeaders