Nilaja Montgomery
Nilaja Montgomery, MBA, PMP, is a best-selling author, project manager, and counselor-in-training with a deep commitment to service and advocacy. A veteran and military spouse, Nilaja balances her professional endeavors with raising her remarkable child and caring for her dog. Her family-centered values of community and justice shape her personal and professional life, inspiring her dedication to creating meaningful change in the lives of others. She is also branching into writing, with multiple books set to release this year, alongside plans to launch a podcast and blog. Nilaja currently serves as the Director of Operations for Veterans' Digital Ally, advocating for veteran communities, and holds leadership roles across several organizations, including Board President of Soul 2 Soul Sisters and President of the Xi Rho Chapter of Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. She is also an active advocate with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. With a background in business and project management, Nilaja excels in problem solving, data analysis, strategy planning, team building, policy implementation, and operational execution, consistently driving initiatives that foster growth and community impact. Dedicated to advancing mental health care, Nilaja is pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Adler University, with an expected graduation in Spring 2026, while serving as a Clinical Intern with Burning Sage Therapy. She brings the same discipline and strategic insight from her business and military experience into her clinical training, emphasizing socially responsible counseling practices. Through her diverse expertise and unwavering commitment to service, Nilaja continues to inspire, lead, and create positive change in both her professional and personal communities.
• Social and Behavioral Research - Basic/Refresher
• Creating Change: Diversity and Inclusion in the Tech Industry
• Project Management Professional (PMP)®
• Colorado Technical University - MBA
• Adler University - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Indiana University - Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
• CSBJ Women of Influence Recipient 2021
• Soul2Soul Sisters
• Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• Digital Ally Project
• American Counseling Association
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• Theta Nu Xi ONE Foundation
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being present and embracing the courage within myself. I believe in the importance of therapy and giving yourself grace as part of personal growth. Outside of work, I love traveling, singing karaoke, and hiking with my dog.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Career longevity is not a stair step or a ladder it's a map and only you get to decide where you go! (Told to me by a former manager when I worked for Oracle)
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Know yourself first and know what you will and won't accept. If you don't feel good about it, it's a no. Money will come. Trust the Universe.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Burn out is the biggest challenge, while the opportunities are vast to help someone change their life.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Community, Alignment, emotional stability, and opportunity for growth.
Locations
Burning Sage Therapy
3505 Austin Bluffs Parkway Suite 201, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
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