Luiggi Montanero grew up in the Inwood neighborhood of New York City with a passion for music. He took advantage of arts programs offered through his high school and also spent time outside of school writing and producing songs. Luiggi attended SUNY Fredonia, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a focus in the music industry. In a full-circle moment, Luiggi’s first job after college was with an arts-focused nonprofit, the same organization that provided arts programming at his high school.
Luiggi worked as an Institutional Development Manager at the arts nonprofit, and later he continued to work in development with a for-profit company that established funding systems for arts-related nonprofits. In these roles, Luiggi became familiar with the social service sector while maintaining his passion for the arts as part of his career. Luiggi came to BronxWorks in 2024 as the Tenant Services Coordinator at The Brook, a supportive housing complex where BronxWorks is the social service provider. He heard about the position from his sister, who previously worked at The Brook and other BronxWorks locations. In his position at The Brook, Luiggi is still able to involve his passion for the arts in his work while continuing to support his community.
There have been opportunities here where I can bring some music and art into my work. A bunch of the residents here at The Brook are creatives themselves, too.”
In his work as Tenant Services Coordinator, Luiggi interacts with residents on a daily basis and oversees recreational activities and other services offered in the building. The Brook recently celebrated its 15th Anniversary since the program began, and Luiggi was instrumental in the planning and implementation of that event. Other events for residents often involve some form of art therapy or allow opportunities for creativity. For example, residents at The Brook recently began a drama therapy group, where instructors lead participants through various theater drills and exercises as an outlet for emotional expression. Luiggi enjoys observing and participating in these activities because he learns more about various artforms while also further connecting with clients. In his position, Luiggi feels that he has a unique relationship with residents and can gain different insight than his peers.
The residents come to me and talk about different things that they may not share with others. So I’m able to help out on both sides – not only the clients, but also the staff. It helps to work as a team.”
Despite his original plans to pursue a career in the music industry, Luiggi says he has not considered changing fields, as there is already so much music and arts in his current position. At The Brook, he is still able to provide a safe space for people to delve deeper into their creativity, while also being a part of something more community-oriented. “I’ve never felt more fulfilled in a job,” said Luiggi.
Outside of work, Luiggi is a big proponent of personal wellness and enjoys going to the gym. He also continues to enjoy music and has been looking for new art forms to engage with throughout the city.
Luiggi Montanero grew up in the Inwood neighborhood of New York City with a passion for music. He took advantage of arts programs offered through his high school and also spent time outside of school writing and producing songs. Luiggi attended SUNY Fredonia, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a focus in the music industry. In a full-circle moment, Luiggi’s first job after college was with an arts-focused nonprofit, the same organization that provided arts programming at his high school.
Luiggi worked as an Institutional Development Manager at the arts nonprofit, and later he continued to work in development with a for-profit company that established funding systems for arts-related nonprofits. In these roles, Luiggi became familiar with the social service sector while maintaining his passion for the arts as part of his career. Luiggi came to BronxWorks in 2024 as the Tenant Services Coordinator at The Brook, a supportive housing complex where BronxWorks is the social service provider. He heard about the position from his sister, who previously worked at The Brook and other BronxWorks locations. In his position at The Brook, Luiggi is still able to involve his passion for the arts in his work while continuing to support his community.
There have been opportunities here where I can bring some music and art into my work. A bunch of the residents here at The Brook are creatives themselves, too.”
In his work as Tenant Services Coordinator, Luiggi interacts with residents on a daily basis and oversees recreational activities and other services offered in the building. The Brook recently celebrated its 15th Anniversary since the program began, and Luiggi was instrumental in the planning and implementation of that event. Other events for residents often involve some form of art therapy or allow opportunities for creativity. For example, residents at The Brook recently began a drama therapy group, where instructors lead participants through various theater drills and exercises as an outlet for emotional expression. Luiggi enjoys observing and participating in these activities because he learns more about various artforms while also further connecting with clients. In his position, Luiggi feels that he has a unique relationship with residents and can gain different insight than his peers.
The residents come to me and talk about different things that they may not share with others. So I’m able to help out on both sides – not only the clients, but also the staff. It helps to work as a team.”
Despite his original plans to pursue a career in the music industry, Luiggi says he has not considered changing fields, as there is already so much music and arts in his current position. At The Brook, he is still able to provide a safe space for people to delve deeper into their creativity, while also being a part of something more community-oriented. “I’ve never felt more fulfilled in a job,” said Luiggi.
Outside of work, Luiggi is a big proponent of personal wellness and enjoys going to the gym. He also continues to enjoy music and has been looking for new art forms to engage with throughout the city.
