Award-Winning Entrepreneur | Author | Speaker | Community Advocate | Radio Personality
April Monterrosa
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April Monterrosa is an award-winning entrepreneur, author, speaker, business mentor, and respected voice in the South Texas community. As the founder and publisher of Live From The Southside Magazine—the first woman-owned publication in South San Antonio—April is a trailblazer dedicated to amplifying local voices and celebrating cultural pride. She is also the author of Shine Beautifully and the children’s book Razoo in the Wetlands, as well as the founder of the Southside Book Fair, Southside Market Days, and co-founder of San Antonio Latina Legacy.
April’s entrepreneurial journey began at age 12, assisting in her family’s Greg Galindo Plumbing business. This early hands-on experience laid the foundation for a successful 20+-year career in the hospitality and spa industry, where she operated her own esthetics and wellness business before transitioning into media.
She is the host of The April Monterrosa Show on KLMO 98.9 FM, where she spotlights the achievements of Texans in business, entertainment, and music. Her show also highlights Latino music in Country, featuring emerging and established artists who blend their cultural heritage with the country genre.
April’s work has earned widespread recognition. She has been named an influential Latina by KSAT12 News, received multiple nominations in the Social Media Influencer category, and has placed several times in the Community Leader category. She is also the 2025 Express-News Women in Leadership Award winner.
Her honors include the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, a formal recognition by the 87th Texas Legislature, and the Community Rising Star Award from the National Association of Women Business Owners. Live From The Southside was also recognized by Bexar County Clerk Hon. Lucy Adame-Clark’s Office with a Certificate of Recognition and the Alamo Flag in celebration of the publication’s fifth anniversary. This honor highlighted April’s leadership and the magazine’s impact on the Southside community through storytelling, advocacy, and the elevation of local voices.
In addition, April received the Phenomenal Woman in Leadership Award from The Maestro Entrepreneur Center. Their heartfelt recognition emphasized her dedication to empowering women throughout South Texas and praised her magazine, radio show, and book Shine Beautifully for transforming individual stories into a collective movement of healing, confidence, and visibility.
Deeply rooted in community service, April has served or currently serves on numerous boards and committees, including:
- Chairwoman, Mitchell Lake Audubon Center
- Board Member, Texas Motor Press Association
- Brooks Gives Back
- The Pink Berets
- VIDA Arts Council
- San Antonio Water System’s Community Experience Committee
- Palo Alto College Cosmetology Committee
- Fin Addict Angler Foundation
- Latina Leadership Institute Steering Committee (Cohort 9)
- Small Business Advisory Commission, City of San Antonio (District 4 Representative)
She is a proud alumna of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Latina Leadership Institute (Cohort 8) and has served on its steering committee. April also mentors aspiring entrepreneurs through the City of San Antonio and the Alamo Colleges Mentor Protégé Program.
Driven by purpose and a passion for uplifting others, April Monterrosa continues to lead with heart, vision, and an unwavering commitment to her community.
Books by April Monterrosa
Razoo in the Wetlands – Order at https://amzn.to/4dV63zW.
Razoo, the little dog, is very excited to explore the wetlands in his city. But because he’s so excited, he forgets to stay with his friends and doesn’t follow the rules. He ends up getting lost. Along the way, he meets other animals who help him find his way back to where he started and to his worried mom. Razoo learns an important lesson from his adventure: always follow the rules and stay with your group.
Shine Beautifully: A Collection of Innermost Thoughts, Quotes, & Poetry – Order at https://amzn.to/3URhe41.
The Shine Beautifully Collection Series, Volume 1, presents the reflections of a woman who has faced and overcome significant life challenges. A healing process occurred through sharing her words of hope, motivation, and love. The book shares innermost thoughts, quotes, and poetry to reassure readers they are not alone in navigating deep emotional experiences, good and bad. At the same time, the images lead readers to a deeper place, enhancing the meaning of everything written.
