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About Jeannette Ceja

Jeannette Ceja is a Mexican-American journalist born in Orange, California. She grew up in a bilingual home and fondly remembers watching the news every day in both English and Spanish as a young girl.

Jeannette Ceja beside a red telephone box, Big Ben behind her

Watching Christiane Amanpour on CNN inspired her early ambition to become a foreign news correspondent. She also vividly recalls tuning in to talk show hosts like Oprah Winfrey and Cristina Saralegui on Univision, and was captivated by their interview styles and the way they connected with people.

Equally formative was her fascination with travel shows, including National Geographic and the Travel Channel. From a young age, Jeannette was enamored with exploring different countries, cultures, and languages—a curiosity that has continued to shape her career and perspective as a journalist.

Jeannette Ceja on set during a television appearance
Jeannette Ceja in front of the Eiffel Tower

That’s when she knewshe wanted to be a travel journalist.

One recurring realization Jeannette had as a teenager was the lack of women and diversity she saw represented in travel and media at the time. At just 16 years old, she received her monthly CosmoGirl! magazine and was deeply moved when she saw Jennifer Lopez on the cover.

For the first time, she felt truly seen by Jennifer Lopez. Overwhelmed with emotion, Jeannette wrote a letter of gratitude to the editor—never imagining it would later be published in a future issue of the magazine. Afterward, she chose to pursue a college degree in broadcast journalism, formally beginning her path toward a career in media.

Jeannette Ceja holding the CosmoGirl! issue that inspired her
  • The CosmoGirl! cover featuring Jennifer Lopez
  • Jeannette Ceja photographed on assignment
  • Jeannette Ceja’s letter published in CosmoGirl!

Awards & nominations

  • Travel Host of the Year

    World Woman Summit

  • Top 20 Global Women of Excellence

    U.S. Congressman Danny K. Davis and the Multi-Ethnic Advisory Task Force

  • Top 40 under Forty

    Al Día News

  • Best Travel CreatorNominee

    The Tecla Awards, 10th annual Hispanicize conference

  • Latina Joven de Impacto Mundial

  • Iconic Women Creating a Better World for All

    Women Economic Forum, Cairo, Egypt

  • Top 100 Inspiring Women Travel Founders

    Travel Massive

  • Women’s Leadership Series and AwardsNominee

    Los Angeles Business Journal

  • Power Player

    Angeleno Magazine