Mercedes Montagnes

Director of Strategic Partnerships, Justice Catalyst Access Fund

Mercedes Montagnes is the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Justice Catalyst Access Fund (JCAF), where she supports the organization’s partnerships with philanthropies, nonprofits, and other stakeholders. She is an experienced civil rights attorney who has tackled a myriad of issues ranging from medical care to over detention. Mercedes was the Executive Director of the Promise of Justice Initiative which she grew from an idea to a thriving agent of change. Understanding the vital role that transitions play in creating impactful organizations, Mercedes embarked on a leadership transition which culminated in April 2023.

Mercedes has also served on several boards of directors where she has overseen growth and leadership transitions at various institutions both educational and legal. She has been recognized with several awards including the The Harvard Law School Wasserstein Fellowship, the Harvard Law School Public Service Venture Fund Seed Grant 2014, Barnard College 2015 Young Alumna Award, and New Orleans Gambit 40 Under 40. She is a graduate of Barnard College and Harvard Law School and clerked for Judge Carl Barbier of the Eastern District of Louisiana and Judge Roger Gregory of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.