With more than 16 years of experience in the media industry, Ellie Burgueno has established herself as one of the most influential voices along the U.S.–Mexico border. She is the Editorial Director of Beyond Borders Gazette, a radio host, columnist, and author, as well as the founder of the weekly newspaper Imperial Valley Insight.
Her outstanding journalistic work has earned her three national journalism awards in Mexico, along with First Place in the San Diego Press Club’s Annual Excellence in Journalism Awards on two separate occasions for her impactful opinion columns. In 2020, she was honored as Woman of the Year by the California State Senate, and in March 2026, she was nominated and elected Woman of Distinction by the California State Assembly in recognition of her commitment to strengthening ties between Mexico and the United States through journalism and by organizing events that inspire young Californians and women entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams.