Background & Upbringing
Ileana was born in Houston’s bustling East End, where she grew up in a tight-knit Cuban-Mexican household. Family gatherings overflowed with lively conversation, home-cooked meals, and Latin music.
Education
She attended a public high school with a strong STEM focus but found her passion in the school newspaper. She then earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Houston, later completing an internship at a Spanish-language media outlet.
Professional Background
Ileana first worked as a local news reporter, covering cultural festivals, immigration issues, and community events throughout Houston. She gradually transitioned to writing creative non-fiction and short stories, spotlighting Latinx experiences in urban America. Her debut collection, set around the Bayou City’s diverse neighborhoods, received statewide recognition.
Places Lived
Houston has always been her anchor, but she traveled to Madrid for a semester in college, immersing herself in European perspectives on Hispanic culture.
Influences
Ileana is inspired by the work of Sandra Cisneros and the journalism of Maria Hinojosa. She listens to a fusion of genres—from reggaetón and salsa to Houston’s own chopped and screwed hip-hop—drawing parallels between music and storytelling rhythms.
