San Diego Hosts Fourth Edition of Foro Mujer de Éxito, Strengthening Binational Business Ties

-Editorial

Business leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals from both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border gathered Oct. 7 for the fourth edition of Foro Empresarial “Mujer de Éxito,” a binational business forum held on the rooftop of the San Diego Central Library, offering breathtaking panoramic views of downtown San Diego’s skyline.

Organized under the theme “Empower. Thrive. Lead.,” the event brought together participants from the Cali-Baja region to discuss economic development, business opportunities, women’s leadership and cross-border collaboration.

The forum featured conferences, panel discussions and networking opportunities designed to encourage professional connections and dialogue among business representatives from San Diego, Baja California and surrounding communities.

Ellie Burgueño, publisher and editor-in-chief of Beyond Borders Gazette, welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for women entrepreneurs and professionals throughout the binational region.

“This forum was created with a clear vision: to connect, inspire, strengthen, and open new opportunities for women who are building the present and future of our binational region,” Burgueño said.

Burgueño also highlighted the upcoming 11th anniversary of Beyond Borders Gazette, noting the publication’s ongoing efforts to promote businesses, share community stories and strengthen connections between California and Baja California.

“Throughout these years, we have learned that when our communities collaborate, when our businesses support one another and when women connect, opportunities grow for everyone,” she said.

She emphasized that the forum was designed to encourage participants to exchange experiences, establish professional relationships and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

“Success does not have to be a solitary journey,” Burgueño said. “We want you to leave this forum with new ideas, new contacts, new partnerships and, above all, the certainty that together we can go further.”

The program opened with a presentation titled “Construyendo el Futuro: Visión, Innovación y Desarrollo en la Frontera” (Building the Future: Vision, Innovation and Development at the Border), delivered by Isaac Abadi, president of Grupo Abadi. The presentation addressed innovation, regional development and the economic opportunities shaping the border region.

Another session, titled “Rompiendo el Tabú: Mujeres, Poder y Negocios en la Industria de Bebidas” (Breaking the Taboo: Women, Power and Business in the Beverage Industry), focused on women’s participation and leadership in the beverage sector, an industry with important commercial connections throughout the binational region.

Economic development was another central topic. The discussion “Fronteras que Conectan: Desarrollo Económico, Alianzas y Oportunidades de Negocio” (Connecting Borders: Economic Development, Partnerships and Business Opportunities) examined opportunities for business growth, strategic partnerships and regional cooperation.

The program also included a networking and culinary experience, giving attendees an opportunity to establish professional contacts, exchange ideas and explore potential business relationships.

Daniel Flores, representing Gente Connect and Gente Bonita Magazine, delivered “Conecta con Propósito” (Connect With Purpose), a presentation highlighting the importance of meaningful professional connections and purposeful networking.

The afternoon program featured “Voces de Frontera: Mujeres que Transforman la Comunicación y los Medios” (Voices of the Border: Women Transforming Communication and Media), highlighting women’s roles in communications, journalism and media across the border region.

The forum also included presentations from participating organizations and business partners before concluding with closing remarks and a raffle.

The event was supported by several organizations, businesses and community partners, including the Secretariat of Economy of the State of Baja California, Punta Piedra Misión, Hotel Coral & Marina, Black North, Grupo Abadi, La Jornada Baja California, Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation (IVEDC), Dávila y Asociados, A Warrior Woman, the County of Imperial, the City of San Diego, Revista Mujer Actual and the Imperial County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Building on the success of four editions of Foro Empresarial “Mujer de Éxito,” Beyond Borders Gazette is developing a Binational Business Club for Women Leaders to extend networking and professional development opportunities throughout the year. Membership is expected to include exclusive perks and discounts at restaurants, airlines, theme parks, social clubs, hotels and other hospitality businesses, along with monthly educational webinars covering marketing, public image and professional speaking, sales, public relations, taxes, revenue diversification, writing and more.

The club will also organize informal networking and mix-and-mingle events at different locations throughout the region. Its next planned gathering will be a Wellness Retreat in Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, with the date to be announced.

Women business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, readers and community partners interested in participating are encouraged to stay tuned, follow Beyond Borders Gazette on social media and subscribe to its publications for upcoming announcements and membership information.