AJM Career Collective was built for the in-between—those moments when you’re ready for more but unsure how to move forward. Whether you're a job seeker in the middle of a pivot or a founder building your team from the ground up, I meet you where you are—and help you move with clarity, intention, and momentum.

I’m Athena Montes, and my approach to people-first strategy didn’t start in a boardroom—it started on the ground, working in grassroots campaigns. I learned how to scale, mobilize, and win under pressure—with fixed timelines and real stakes. That’s where I first understood the power of clarity, urgency, and purpose when building teams.

Later, while working at Great Insurance Jobs, I learned how to spot talent that doesn’t just check boxes—but truly fits the moment, the mission, and the momentum of a company. I had to dig deep into each company’s story—its history, growth path, and culture—to find people who could grow with them and make an impact. That’s where I honed my ability to blend storytelling, business strategy, and talent alignment—skills I carry into every coaching, consulting, and hiring engagement today.

At Movement Strategy, I led Talent Acquisition, hiring over 200+ creatives, marketers, strategists, and operators across the agency. I didn’t just scale teams—I built inclusive, intentional systems, embedded DEI at every touchpoint, and partnered with leadership to ensure every hire was made with heart and precision.

But this work has never just been about numbers or polished resumes.

I’m a connector. A strategist. A translator.
I help people tell better stories—whether you’re someone seeking direction, or a company trying to hire with clarity and care.

At AJM, we believe:

• Equity isn’t a checkbox

• Process should feel human

• And your next chapter deserves more than a one-size-fits-all approach

This is where career strategy meets soul—and where purpose meets execution.

Let’s build what’s next, together.