Biography/Biografía
Ellie Burgueño is a distinguished journalist and publisher who brings a wealth of experience and unwavering dedication to the realms of writing and communication. Hailing from Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, Ellie’s formative years were shaped by her upbringing and education in the United States. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, San Diego, complemented by a certification in English teaching from San Diego State University. Ellie is a certified Paralegal and possesses proficiency as a legal, medical, and literary interpreter-translator in both English and Spanish with over 18 years of expertise.
Ellie’s pursuit of knowledge led her to undertake a program in business strategic management at Harvard University, and she subsequently earned an MFA in Creative Writing from UCSD. Demonstrating her commitment to continuous growth, Ellie has recently achieved certifications in Digital Marketing, Strategic Branding, and Public Relations from UCLA. She is presently enrolled in a Public Relations Certificate program focused on Political Campaign Management.
Ellie’s dedication is evident in her affiliations and leadership roles. She proudly assumes the role of founder-president of the Imperial Valley-Mexicali Press Club and remains an active member of prominent organizations such as the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), Federación de Asociaciones de Periodistas Mexicanos (FAPERMEX), where she is a member of its board in international affairs, and the National Association of Hispanic Publications (NAHP). Ellie’s engagement extends to The American Society of Magazine Editors, the Society of Professional Journalists, La Asociacion de Comunicadores en Radio, Prensa y Television de Mexicali, El Colegio de Publirelacionistas de Baja California, the San Diego Press Club, The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) San Diego-Imperial County Chapter, Grupo PROMESA A.C., and The Calexico Rotary Club. She is also the current Public Relations Director of the Mexicali Linkage Committee (Comite de Vinculacion de Mexicali) and has been a member of its board for four consecutive years (https://www.comvin.org/mesadirectiva).
Ellie’s journey into journalism commenced in 2009 when she embraced the role of a weekly columnist for regional and local newspapers, including the prestigious La Voz de la Frontera. Her prolific writing spans diverse topics, contributing insightful perspectives to numerous newspapers and magazines over the years.
In 2019, Ellie embarked on the world of public speaking, uncovering a fulfilling avenue for her talents. Notably, she authored the impactful self-published motivational book “Second Chance,” which garnered recognition and success upon its Spanish release in 2018. Inspired by this accomplishment, Ellie eagerly anticipates the forthcoming release of her personal finance book “Hey Girls, You Can Also Become Badass Money Makers,” a practical guide empowering women to achieve financial independence.
Beyond her writing prowess, Ellie is deeply involved in the realm of publishing. She is the visionary founder-director of the binational bilingual publication “Beyond Borders Gazette” which has been successfully circulating throughout the region every month since 2016, and the soon-to-launch international “Elite Tourism Magazine,” scheduled to be released February 2024 debut. Ellie’s initiatives extend to a binational Industrial Directory that forges strategic partnerships across the industrial supply chain, establishing BB Publishing Inc. as a regional Publishing and Public Relations firm. These platforms exemplify Ellie’s commitment to generating meaningful content that fosters unity within the binational CaliBaja Mega Region community.
Throughout her illustrious career, Ellie’s unwavering dedication to journalistic excellence has garnered numerous awards and honors. She secured the prestigious 1st Place Fapermex National Journalism Award “Ricardo Flores Magón” in the Column Category, a testament to her exceptional columns “Overcoming My Fear to Death” (2018) and “The Art of Being Bilingual”, (2019). In 2020, Ellie earned the title of Woman of the Year from the California Senate, recognizing her impactful journalism that fosters community connections. Her recent achievement includes another 1st place award in the column category in December 2022 for her captivating piece “Behind an Accent,” further validating her commitment to bridging communities through her compelling work.
Ellie Burgueño’s journey as a journalist and publisher is underpinned by a profound aspiration to inspire and elevate others, contributing meaningfully to the realms of communication, literature, and personal growth. Her genuine passion for writing continues to propel her enriching journey, forging connections with readers and leaving an indelible impact through her eloquent words and transformative ideas.