A New Direction for Riverside
Meet Christen Montero, a lifelong Riverside resident committed to building a better future for our community
Riverside Roots & Community Values
Christen Montero is a businesswoman, entrepreneur, and STEM advocate with deep roots in Riverside. Her parents moved the family to Riverside in search of opportunity and they found a city that offered strong schools, good-paying jobs, safe neighborhoods, and a deep sense of community. Christen attended Taft Elementary School, Amelia Earhart Middle School, Martin Luther King Jr. High School, and Citrus High School, where supportive teachers and mentors nurtured her passion for the performing arts and introduced her to Riverside's dynamic culture of arts and innovation.
Today, our political environment no longer reflects the values that matter most to Riverside families, and the opportunities that once defined the city are growing harder to find. That's why Christen Montero is running for City Council — to offer a New Direction for Riverside that ensures every family, small business, and neighborhood has the resources and opportunity to thrive.
Small Business Entrepreneur
As the founder of MCA, a marketing consulting agency, and co-founder of the software company Blue Social, Christen has spent her career helping small businesses grow, mentoring the next generation, and using technology to bring people together.
Her service as a Board of Director for the Filipino Chamber of Commerce and nonprofit organizations like Women Wonder Writers has allowed her to work closely with Inland Empire community leaders, students, and people overcoming adversity.
Fighting for Riverside Families
Christen understands the challenges working families face — rising costs, a lack of affordable housing, and limited access to quality jobs — because she hears about them daily from neighbors and community members. That is why she will fight for solutions to these challenges by:
Supporting Small Businesses
to help create safe, good-paying jobs closer to where people live.
Affordable and Livable Neighborhoods
by investing in core services, bringing in higher paying jobs and amenities that residents can easily walk or drive to.
Public Safety
to keep our community safe.
Environment and Sustainability
by expanding green spaces in neighborhoods for everyone to enjoy.
Thriving Arts and Culture
by leveraging community assets like The Cheech to attract more restaurants, art galleries, cultural events, and festivals.
Beyond the Campaign
As a candidate for City Council, Christen is committed to action, not just ideas. She believes Riverside deserves leadership rooted in the community, guided by experience, and driven by a deep love for the city we call home.
When she's not working, Christen can often be found hiking Mt. Rubidoux, running with her two white German Shepherds, or caring for her farm animals. As a dancer since the age of four, she has long believed in the importance of balance and staying grounded in a fast-paced world. Christen holds both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Redlands.
Committed to Serving You
As your City Councilmember, I am committed to serving you—not just with ideas, but with action. Riverside deserves leadership rooted in community, guided by experience, and driven by a deep love for the people in this city we all call home.