Diego Montalvo (Quito, 1995) is an Ecuadorian writer and journalist. He is a graduate of the Universidad de Las Américas (UDLA), where he studied journalism. Montalvo gained recognition in the literary world with his anthology Suspenso en Letras (2012), and he has been an active member of the literary and cultural community, serving in roles such as a member of the Academic Section of Literature of the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana. In journalism, he has contributed to magazines like Leo and Emprendedores, and currently writes opinion pieces for La República, focusing on political and social issues.
Early Life and Education
Diego Montalvo was born in Quito, Ecuador, in 1995. He pursued his higher education at the Universidad de Las Américas (UDLA), where he graduated as a journalist. His early academic foundation in journalism paved the way for his dual career as both a writer and journalist, engaging deeply with Ecuadorian literary and media landscapes.
Literary Career
Montalvo’s foray into the literary world began with the publication of his anthology of short stories, Suspenso en Letras (2012), a work that established his presence within the fiction genre. This collection focused on suspenseful narratives, marking his entry into Ecuador’s literary scene. In 2015, his literary accomplishments were further recognized when he was appointed as a member of the Academic Section of Literature of the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana by renowned Ecuadorian writer Raúl Pérez Torres.
Montalvo’s fiction is noted for its engagement with suspense and narrative tension, characteristics that resonate with broader trends in Latin American storytelling. His work has contributed to discussions of contemporary fiction in Ecuador, broadening the scope of narrative forms within the region.
Journalism and Media Work
In addition to his literary endeavors, Montalvo has made significant contributions to journalism. He has worked as a writer for Leo, a publication by the Ecuadorian Chamber of the Book, and for Emprendedores, a magazine led by former Ecuadorian presidential candidate Dr. César Augusto Alarcón Costta. Montalvo has also held roles as a radio producer and host, notably for the program “Converso” on the Radio of the Casa de la Cultura, further amplifying his voice in Ecuador’s intellectual and media circles.
Montalvo currently serves as an opinion writer for the digital newspaper La República, where his columns often tackle pressing national issues, such as organized crime and corruption.
Memberships and Recognitions
Montalvo has been recognized for his contributions to Ecuadorian intellectual life through his active membership in the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana since 2015. Additionally, he was appointed an Active Member of the Sociedad Bolivariana del Ecuador during the presidency of General José Gallardo Román. These appointments underscore his respected position in Ecuador’s cultural and intellectual institutions.
Contributions to Political Commentary
Montalvo is known for his critical analysis of Ecuador’s political landscape. He has commented extensively on issues such as organized crime, political alliances, and the influence of past governments. His insights, particularly regarding the breakdown of political agreements and the challenges posed by criminal organizations, have been widely shared in Ecuadorian media. In one notable interview with Nina Radio, Montalvo highlighted the complexity of Ecuador’s political situation, pointing out the risks posed by political instability and corruption.