Award-Winning Entrepreneur | Author | Speaker | Community Advocate | Media Personality
April Monterrosa is an award-winning entrepreneur, author, speaker, business mentor, and respected voice in the South Texas community. She is the founder and publisher of Live From The Southside Magazine—the first woman-owned publication in South San Antonio—created to amplify local voices, celebrate culture, and connect communities through meaningful storytelling.
She is also the author of Shine Beautifully and the children’s book Razoo in the Wetlands, the founder of the Southside Book Fair and Southside Market Days, and the co-founder of San Antonio Latina Legacy, a platform dedicated to honoring Latina leadership and legacy across the region.
Speaking, media, and partnerships: media@livefromthesouthside.com
Follow: @aprilmonterrosa on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, & TikTok.
About April Monterrosa
April’s entrepreneurial journey began at age 12, when she assisted in her family’s business, Greg Galindo Plumbing. That early hands-on experience laid the foundation for a successful 20+ year career in the hospitality and spa industry, where she operated her own esthetics and wellness business before transitioning into media.
Her media career began more than 15 years ago with a travel and lifestyle blog focused on exploring destinations, highlighting small Texas towns, and encouraging self-care and adventure. That early work evolved into the platforms she leads today—where storytelling is used to elevate voices, strengthen visibility, and create opportunity across South Texas.
Founder and Publisher
As the founder and publisher of Live From The Southside Magazine, April leads a media brand recognized for positive storytelling, cultural celebration, and showcasing the people and places that make South Texas thrive.
Through print, digital media, events, and partnerships, Live From The Southside highlights entrepreneurs, nonprofits, community advocates, creatives, and changemakers while building bridges across neighborhoods and expanding visibility for stories that deserve to be seen and celebrated.
Through her publishing work, April has also launched and supported key storytelling platforms and initiatives, including San Antonio Latina Legacy, a project dedicated to honoring and documenting the achievements, leadership, and influence of Latina women across San Antonio and South Texas.
Radio Host: The April Monterrosa Show (KLMO 98.9 FM)
April is the host of The April Monterrosa Show on KLMO 98.9 FM, where she spotlights the achievements of Texans in business, entertainment, and music. Her show also highlights Latino artists in Country music, featuring emerging and established performers who blend their cultural heritage with the country genre.
Author
April’s books reflect her commitment to inspiration, growth, and community education.
Razoo in the Wetlands
Razoo in the Wetlands follows Razoo, a curious little dog exploring the wetlands in his city. Along the way, he learns important lessons about safety, responsibility, and staying with your group.
Order: https://amzn.to/3P1YKyx
Shine Beautifully: A Collection of Innermost Thoughts, Quotes, & Poetry
Shine Beautifully is a reflective collection centered on healing, hope, motivation, and growth—written to encourage readers as they navigate life’s challenges and rediscover confidence and purpose.
Order: https://amzn.to/4sk9y9x
Speaker, Emcee, and Business Mentor
April speaks to audiences who care about entrepreneurship, leadership, visibility, storytelling, and community impact. She is available for keynotes, panels, moderating, workshops, and emcee hosting.
Speaking topics include:
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Building a media brand with purpose and credibility
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Visibility for entrepreneurs: PR, partnerships, and positioning
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Storytelling that builds trust and influence
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Women in leadership and community impact
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Brand building and digital presence
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Latina leadership and cultural legacy
April also mentors aspiring entrepreneurs through the City of San Antonio and the Alamo Colleges Mentor Protégé Program.
Booking and inquiries: media@livefromthesouthside.com
Recognition and Awards
April’s work has earned widespread recognition. She has been named an influential Latina by KSAT12 News, received multiple nominations in the Social Media Influencer category, and has placed several times in the Community Leader category. She is also the winner of the 2025 Express-News Women in Leadership Award.
Her honors include the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, a formal recognition by the 87th Texas Legislature, and the Community Rising Star Award from the National Association of Women Business Owners. Live From The Southside was also recognized by the Bexar County Clerk’s Office, led by Hon. Lucy Adame-Clark, with a Certificate of Recognition and the Alamo Flag in celebration of the publication’s fifth anniversary.
In addition, April received the Phenomenal Woman in Leadership Award from the Maestro Entrepreneur Center, recognizing her commitment to empowering women throughout South Texas and elevating stories that create confidence, healing, and visibility.
Boards and Community Leadership
Deeply committed to civic engagement and service, April has served or currently serves on boards and committees, including:
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Chairwoman, Mitchell Lake Audubon Center
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Board Member, Texas Motor Press Association
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Brooks Gives Back
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The Pink Berets
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VIDA Arts Council
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San Antonio Water System’s Community Experience Committee
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Palo Alto College Cosmetology Committee
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FinAddict Angler Foundation
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Latina Leadership Institute Steering Committee (Cohort 9)
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Small Business Advisory Commission, City of San Antonio (District 4 Representative)
She is a proud alumna of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Latina Leadership Institute (Cohort 8) and has served on its steering committee. April also mentors aspiring entrepreneurs through the City of San Antonio and the Alamo Colleges Mentor Protégé Program.
Work With April
April Monterrosa is available for media interviews, podcast appearances, panel discussions, keynote speaking engagements, and event hosting. As a publisher, entrepreneur, and community advocate, she shares insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, media, and community impact.
Media topics include:
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Entrepreneurship and small business growth
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Building a media platform and personal brand
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Community storytelling and cultural leadership
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Women in leadership and Latina entrepreneurship
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Media, marketing, and visibility for small businesses
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Local journalism and community-based publishing
Press and booking inquiries: media@livefromthesouthside.com
Follow: @aprilmonterrosa on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, & TikTok.
