Women’s History Month Spotlight: Stephanie Bermudez Leading Innovation Beyond Borders

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re proud to spotlight a visionary leader whose work is reshaping opportunity and innovation across the U.S.–Mexico borderlands. Last month, we sat down with Stephanie Bermudez, Founder & CEO of Startup Unidos, to hear her story, from the moment she first saw the potential for cross-border entrepreneurship to the real-world impact she’s building today.

Startup Unidos is dedicated to empowering underserved communities along the Arizona-Sonora border through innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. The organization champions culturally anchored programming, bilingual support, and ecosystem building that bridges diverse networks across industry, government, academia, and grassroots efforts.

In our full conversation, Stephanie reflects on:

• What ignited her vision for Startup Unidos and how lived experience shaped her mission
• The unique strengths and challenges faced in border-based innovation
• Why representation and community support are essential for thriving startup ecosystems
• Her hopes for the next generation of women leaders and entrepreneurs

Whether you’re a founder, community builder, or curious about how people are transforming challenges into opportunities, Stephanie’s story is a powerful reminder of the leadership, resilience, and creativity women bring to every table.

Watch the full interview to learn more about Stephanie’s story.