Vivian Montano was born in La Paz, Bolivia and attended the American Cooperative School, where she became fully immersed in American culture and education at an early age. She later earned her International Baccalaureate degree, eventually graduating with a degree in International Relations and a minor in Economics. After graduation, she landed a position with Symmetry Partners, where she gained valuable experience in institutional finance. Later, she worked for Refco, which was at the time the largest broker on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. A couple of years later, the next unexpected chapter of her life unfolded when her sister, Karla, proposed a restaurant venture in her newly adopted hometown of Virginia Beach. Vivian joined her sister to establish Luna Maya, the first and only Bolivian/Mexican fusion restaurant in Hampton Roads. Over the past twenty-five years, this little venture has blossomed into one of the most popular and beloved establishments in Hampton Roads.
Vivian lives in Virginia Beach with her husband, Steve, and son, Alejandro. She enjoys traveling with her family and learning about other cultures through their art, food, and traditions. In her spare time, she practices kickboxing and loves soaking up coastal Virginia nature on long walks.