Ernesto Aguilar
Ernesto Aguilar discovered the transformative power of public media as a teenager in East Houston—a chance encounter that shaped his passion for amplifying diverse voices and creating opportunities for all Americans. His career reflects a commitment to democracy, belonging and engagement, spanning journalism, digital innovation, AI strategy and organizational leadership.
Aguilar’s early work in Houston journalism laid the foundation for his leadership at KQED in San Francisco, one of the nation’s most celebrated public media organizations. There, he oversees radio programming, leads KQED’s AI Working Group and formerly convened initiatives that redefine how media serves and engages communities. He also publishes two newsletters: OIGO, focusing on the intersection of public media, diverse content and Latino audiences; and AI and Public Media Futures, covering generative AI’s impact on journalism and public broadcasting.
A recognized thought leader, Aguilar is a Sulzberger Executive Leadership Fellow, a Public Media CEO/COO Bootcamp selection, an AI in Journalism Leadership cohort selection and a Robert C. Maynard Institute for Journalism Education Fellow (Advanced Leadership). He holds a journalism degree, minors in sociology and Women’s Studies, a Management and Leadership Certification from the University of Houston and a Nonprofit Fund Development Certification from Rice University.