Virginia Montoya
Operations Project Manager
“Virginia stirs excellence into action as a curator of many parts of The Parnassus Experience. Her heart for our Community of Leaders and the team itself guides her investment in pivotal details.”
Virginia joined the Parnassus team in early 2022. Before coming onboard, she spent five years in non-profit fundraising and events following a two-year stint in the classroom with Teach for America. She has organized everything from 100-mile bicycle rides to black tie galas everywhere from Colorado to Florida. Through her work managing collaborative teams nation-wide, she has learned to approach all of her projects as learning experiences, knowing that success is best achieved through shared innovation and a willingness to put people over objectives. The chance to work within the Parnassus team as well as help build the Palladium Forum program gives her the space to do just that.
As a true planner, Virginia sees her work in operations and programming as a way to serve the bigger mission of this team by pursuing excellence in the details; ensuring the Parnassus Group is best situated to serve its clients and potential candidates from a seat of total preparedness and intentionality.
Virginia graduated with honors from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. When she is not in the office, she can be found chasing her toddlers, Mary and Camille, around their neighborhood in Bluff Park, or watching the newest Marvel movie with her husband Alex.
The Parnassus Group is absolutely, 100%, truly unique. Little did I know 5 years ago that I would develop a friendship with John and the Parnassus Group. A brief call, which led to a short meeting, has turned into a meaningful relationship. I don’t think about the Parnassus team as a firm, I think of them as trusted advisors and friends. John has been a mentor to me, and someone that I think to call when I’m faced with difficult decisions, or I’m seeking an unbiased view. But it doesn’t stop with John, he’s developed a team that is bright, talented, and wants to provide a service that is unparalleled.
When I think about the time I’m with my family during the work-week, the amount of hours are precious. I’ve made a commitment (most of the time) to set my phone down when I walk in the house at the end of the day, and try not to pick it back up until the kids are in bed. While this may not sound like a lot, I’ve found it’s the little things that create the necessary boundaries.
What are some of the things that you have learned as a leader that involved your decision making process about coming to DaVita?
Over the years, I’ve heard the phrase, “life is a journey, not a destination”. This became true when I started working at Davita, and realized that the Village provided an opportunity to learn and grow, and be part of something bigger than an employee fulfilling a role in an organization.
Prior to DaVita, I spent a number of years in an organization wanting more, but unclear where I would find it, and how I would get there. When I learned about DaVita, I was intrigued by the concept of Teammates, and hearing stories about tenure and the ability to grow within the organization.
As I’ve experienced this journey first hand, I’ve found the experience to be more fulfilling than I could have imagined. Knowing that I can raise my hand to gain exposure to a project, be called on by Teammates outside my lane provides energy to continue to want to do more. This is an organization that encourages an entrepreneurial spirit, while never having to leave the organization.