91ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½

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When you meet Mrs. Montiel-O'Donnell in person, she often introduces herself as β€œNachoβ€”like the chip,” a nickname tied to her design business, Nacho Momma’s Designs (). A proud Registered Yaqui Tribal Member, Nacho is a design educator, community artist, and graphic designer whose mission lives at the intersection of art, agency, and justice. Her approach harmonizes organizational and marketing needs with empathy and accessibility, empowering others through design inspired by movements like Bauhaus, Constructivism, and feminist and anti-racist activism. Originally from Arizona, she began her career in commercial art before founding her freelance firm and later earning a master’s in Community Art from MICA (), where she also led community initiatives at Open Works () in East Baltimore. Nacho’s leadership extends to her work with AIGA Chicago (), where she launched the "Ask & Give" series (), and continues today as a Willenborg Teaching Fellow (/academics/civic-learning/willenborg-civic-learning-academy?_gl=1*1u0hg2f*_gcl_au*MTAxODczMjE5OS4xNzQ3MTUxNDM1LjUzNzMyNjEzMi4xNzUxNDAwMTAxLjE3NTE0MDAyNDQ.*_ga*MTUxMjAyMzI1LjE3MTU3MTM3MzY.*_ga_ZN4EYLEWLV*czE3NTEzOTgzNjAkbzExNyRnMSR0MTc1MTQwMTI5MiRqMzUkbDAkaDA.), infusing her courses with civic engagement and a commitment to collaborative, justice-driven design education with a Summer Internship Program.

Education
MFA, Community Arts, Maryland Institute College of Art
BFA, Painting & Drawing, Arizona State University
Research Interests

the intersection between design, civic engagement, and how to install these themes into a course's structure and pedagogy.

Certificates and Licensures
2025, Mediation and Conflict Resolution Certificate
Certification in Web Design & Digital Arts from Mesa Community College
Awards and Grants
Willenborg Teaching Fellow

 

91ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ faculty and staff, .