Mirrors: Gabriela Montero, Mesoamerican Archeologist
The AdaMarie Mirrors reflect back to us the many roads (often winding, never smooth) to success! Real stories of real women to see yourself reflected in. At first, you’ll see Gabriela in this mirror, but eventually, we hope you’ll see yourself.
Welcome, Gabriela Montero!
Mesoamerican archaeologist Gabriela Montero offers invaluable insight into the transformative power of venturing beyond our comfort zones and inspires us to pursue our passions boldly and authentically!
Getting to Know You:
Field of Work: Mesoamerican Archaeology
Expertise In: Contact period archaeology in Mexico, archaeological survey and excavation, science communicator
Current Company: University of Kentucky
Job Title: Doctoral Candidate, Archaeological research Project PI
One-liner about what you’re working on: I'm finishing up an archaeological project in Mexico, funded by the National Science Foundation.
Currently geeking out over: Ceramics :)
STEM Hero: Marion Stirling
Tell us about your professional journey – how did you get where you are now?
I'm a Mexican archaeologist. I grew up in a big city with a lot of archaeological sites, so I was always curious about the past. I got my BA in Mexico and began gaining fieldwork and laboratory experience. I fell in love with the Gulf Coast, where Spanish conquerors first introduced sugar to the country in the early fifteen hundreds. They brought with them enslaved people from Africa and the Caribbean, but continued to enslave indigenous people locally. I am now a doctoral candidate in Anthropology at the University of Kentucky. I lead my own research project in Mexico, funded by the National Science Foundation. The project focuses on the lives of enslaved people in the first years of the sugar industry after the Mexican conquest. I recently decided to dedicate more time to content creation to raise awareness about slavery in Mexican history, archaeology in general, and to hopefully inspire other women to trust themselves and their abilities.
STEM needs to go female!
We’re also curious to know your personal story and upbringing. What has made you “you”?
First and foremost, I was born into a family that always made me believe I could achieve whatever I dreamed of. Having a support system, both psychologically and economically, is the biggest privilege we can have. This is why AdaMarie’s community will be such an amazing source of support for women who did not have that same encouragement growing up. Second, I would say my most defining trait is my curiosity. I love pondering things. Girls, hear me out. Overthinking is a scientific power! Lastly, my journey could have never come to this stage without my own kindness.
In the past, women HAD TO be "mean" to succeed. By doing so, they could enter the male world. But those times are over. Kindness and humility have opened many doors for me. You don't have to prove yourself to anyone. Let your work do the talking!
We know that real life isn’t a smooth and linear journey. What was your initiating moment that led you to your calling - can you tell us about that moment, what helped you move forward, what you learned/discovered?
My initiating moment happened once I immersed myself in a context where I could dispose of my privilege. During my initial visit to the communities where I now continue to work, I was 19 years old and had never been without electricity, hot water, or internet access. However, the most transformative aspect was completely immersing myself in a cultural environment vastly different from my own. I ate what the people ate, and how they ate it. I made friends. I truly lived there.
What I learned, is that you will never achieve anything if you are unwilling to step out of your comfort zone and embrace humility. You will 100% make a fool of yourself on your journey.
Being out there is hard. And it works for every academic situation; I came to archeology as an introvert but have emerged as a public speaker and content creator. There are great things in uncomfortable places! It’s crucial to prioritize both your mental and physical well-being, but never be afraid to put yourself out there!
You’re a working woman in a performance-driven industry. Where do you find balance?
I have spent my entire life trying to outperform everyone else and projecting a fake image of what I thought a “smart girl” should be. But my most significant growth happened after I realized that there is nothing wrong with being true to myself. My intelligence is not defined by my appearance, the music I like, or the colors I wear.
So, I guess my advice is simple: never, ever betray who you are. There will always be people who say you should "tone it down" to look "professional" or "smart". But guess what: guys don't tone anything down. Why should we?
Give them something to remember!
If you could be a scientific process or phenomenon, what would you be?
If I was a scientific process or phenomenon, I would be natural selection. It's like Tinder but you're nature.
We’d love to feature your work! How can we spread the word about what you’re doing?
My socials, especially @gabrielaamon Instagram but I also just started @gabrielaamonn on TikTok. I share everything I do there.
