Elena Buenrostro is a licensed drone pilot, award-winning content creator, and the visionary Founder & CEO of Women Who Drone, a global organization that inspires, educates, and empowers women and girls through drone technology. With over 12 years of experience in media, storytelling, and marketing, Elena brings a powerful combination of creativity, technical expertise, and a passion for education to everything she does.
Born and raised in San Diego, California, Elena discovered her love for storytelling early on, inspired by classic Alfred Hitchcock films and sitcoms like I Love Lucy. Initially drawn to acting and theatre, she found her true calling in film and video production after taking her first college film course. She went on to earn her B.A. in Media Arts from the University of California, San Diego, with a focus on Film/Video and Theatre.
With more than 8 years of drone piloting experience, Elena is a sought-after speaker, film festival judge, and influential voice in the drone and tech industries. She has shared her insights at global conferences and institutions including the FAA, DJI, Columbia University, and Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology. Her work and advocacy have been featured in The Washington Post, Fast Company, and more.
Elena’s impact extends beyond the skies. She is the driving force behind Girls Who Drone, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to inspiring K–12 students to pursue STEM and creative careers through drone technology. She has also taught filmmaking, stop-motion animation, and visual storytelling to youth through organizations such as the San Diego Media Arts Center, Innovations Academy, and the Girl Scouts of America.
Currently, Elena leads global brand marketing and activation at Google, where she develops integrated campaigns, produces high-impact video content, and drives influencer partnerships for products like Google Play, Android, and Chromebooks.
Whether she’s flying drones, producing content, or mentoring the next generation of creatives, Elena’s mission is clear: to tell stories that inform, inspire, and elevate voices from all walks of life. When she's not working, she enjoys traveling, flying her drone, and spending time with her two dogs, Chloe and Malbec.
Born and raised in San Diego, California, Elena discovered her love for storytelling early on, inspired by classic Alfred Hitchcock films and sitcoms like I Love Lucy. Initially drawn to acting and theatre, she found her true calling in film and video production after taking her first college film course. She went on to earn her B.A. in Media Arts from the University of California, San Diego, with a focus on Film/Video and Theatre.
With more than 8 years of drone piloting experience, Elena is a sought-after speaker, film festival judge, and influential voice in the drone and tech industries. She has shared her insights at global conferences and institutions including the FAA, DJI, Columbia University, and Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology. Her work and advocacy have been featured in The Washington Post, Fast Company, and more.
Elena’s impact extends beyond the skies. She is the driving force behind Girls Who Drone, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to inspiring K–12 students to pursue STEM and creative careers through drone technology. She has also taught filmmaking, stop-motion animation, and visual storytelling to youth through organizations such as the San Diego Media Arts Center, Innovations Academy, and the Girl Scouts of America.
Currently, Elena leads global brand marketing and activation at Google, where she develops integrated campaigns, produces high-impact video content, and drives influencer partnerships for products like Google Play, Android, and Chromebooks.
Whether she’s flying drones, producing content, or mentoring the next generation of creatives, Elena’s mission is clear: to tell stories that inform, inspire, and elevate voices from all walks of life. When she's not working, she enjoys traveling, flying her drone, and spending time with her two dogs, Chloe and Malbec.