Sunday, February 9, 2025

The Bustamante Family: Tijuana’s Philanthropy, Education, and Legacy

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A Binational Family Rooted in Tijuana and San Diego

You do not run into a special family like the Bustamante family every day. Originally from Tijuana, Carlos Bustamante, the Tijuana Mayor, along with his children Carolina, Emaluisa, Carlos, and extended family, have formed their lives in this vibrant binational region of Tijuana and San Diego.

Proud to be from Tijuana, they have a deep passion for the city, which embraces a diverse population from Mexico and rises above obstacles, shining in the process. “Tijuana is perseverant, triumphant, and has much to offer,” Emaluisa and Veronica tell Giving Back Magazine.

A Commitment to Education

Education is of utmost importance to the Bustamante family. Carlos Bustamante, the mayor, was the first generation in his family to graduate from the University of San Diego with a Business Administration Degree. His children, Carlos and Carolina, followed in his footsteps, and this year, his granddaughter Alexa also graduated from USD.

Emaluisa studied at the University Iberoamericana of Tijuana, Boston College, and the University of Monterrey, receiving a Communications and Marketing Degree. Veronica, the wife of Carlos Bustamante’s son, graduated from Cetys University of Tijuana.

Philanthropy at the Heart of Their Mission

Philanthropy is an essential part of their lives. Always focused on helping the community, Mayor Carlos Bustamante is recognized as one of the most philanthropic mayors, supporting many non-profit organizations.

Among them is the Emma Anchondo de Bustamante School, and he supports his daughter’s causes: Together for Charity, founded by Carolina, Emaluisa, Veronica, Maribel, Esthela, Rebeca, and Carla, which helps a Tijuana orphanage with 50 children, the Integral Center for Women, the National System for Integral Family Development, and Doctor Smiles, granting wishes for sick children in Tijuana.

A Family United by Love and Community

As a family, they enjoy spending time together, going out to eat, and watching Xolos and Chargers games.

Carolina comments, “Our father is not really a politician. He inherited from his parents a strong love for Tijuana. He is a citizen and businessperson who is committed to having Tijuana continue to move forward. He is a father and a giving grandfather who always makes us feel we are the most important thing to him.”

Danitza Villanueva
Danitza Villanueva
Danitza Villanueva was born in San Diego but spent her youth with her family in Tijuana and grew up on both sides of the border. She has transferred her unique insight of cross-border culture, trends and philanthropy to her business and community interests. Danitza is the first woman from her family to graduate from college. She has two degrees, one from Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Fashion Marketing, and a second from San Diego Christian College in Communications. After starting GB Magazine with Esteban Villanueva in 2007, she has gone on to win awards and recognition from the community for her support of helping raise millions of dollars for non-profit organizations. Currently she resides in East County in San Diego where she and her husband Esteban run DAESVI Publishing, home to GB Magazine, among several other publications.

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