Celesia Montalvo-Smith

Celesia Montalvo-Smith is a manager in Bridgespan’s New York office. Since joining the firm in 2021, she has advised nonprofits and philanthropies on scaling strategies, big-bet philanthropy, and implementation planning across a range of issue areas.

Celesia’s work spans K–12 education, child welfare, public health, and mental health. She also works closely with funder collaboratives to help mobilize significant funding toward pressing global challenges.

Celesia holds dual degrees from the University of Texas at Austin: a BBA in Business Honors and a BA in Plan II Honors, along with a certificate in creative writing. While at the University of Texas, she competed as a distance and cross-country athlete and was named to the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll.

Outside of work, Celesia serves as an expert in residence for the University of Texas at Austin’s Global Sustainability Leadership Institute and mentors university students in San Antonio and Austin pursuing careers in the social sector. She also enjoys marathon running, bouldering, and road-tripping with her partner and dog between New York and her home state of Texas.