Mariana Diaz is dedicated to expanding and connecting the intersections of life, culture, economics, trade, tourism, and relations between Mexico and New Jersey. Building upon her long and distinguished career in Mexico´s Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores (Mexico´s Ministry of Foreign Affairs), she is now the Head Consul of Mexico in New Brunswick, the newest Mexican Consulate in the United States and the fifty-third overall.
Located just four blocks from the Honors College on the corner of George and Church Streets in downtown New Brunswick, the Mexican flag flies high over the sidewalk outside this new home to the United States’ largest trading partner. With significant populations of both Mexican expats and Mexican Americans here in New Jersey, this hub of consular services and culture is a vital resource for individuals as well as companies looking for ways to solidify their connections with Mexico.
Moderated by J.D. Bowers, Dean of the Honors College, and hosted by Honors College student Luis Sanchez-Gonzalez ('26, SAS/HC), Consul Diaz’ talk, entitled “Mexico in New Jersey,” was part of the Navesink Wealth Management Endowed Honors College Lecture Series, which supports speakers who are focused on providing an inspiring vision of innovation and social purpose and is offered in coordination with the Honors College’s mission-based course for first-year students, Forum.
“The promotion of services and education for Mexicans is the most important work that we do,” noted Head Consul Diaz.
The Consulate provides its constituents programs centering on healthcare, financial security, physical safety, equity and inclusion, small business development, and emergency services.
“The history and present-day circumstances of Mexico and the U.S. are deeply intertwined. And too often interpreted through stereotypes,” said J.D. Bowers, Dean of the Honors College. “What Consul Diaz offered our community was a first-hand and deep understanding of how inseparable we are and the impact that we have upon each other, nationally, as the State of New Jersey, and right here in our own communities.”
Honors College students learned about the deep presence of Mexican culture and commerce here in New Jersey (e.g., trade between Mexico and New Jersey, which amounted to $11 billion in 2023, supports 141,000 jobs in the state) and on our campus, from the extensive collection of works by Mexican artists at the Zimmerli Museum to the distinctive Rutgers Business School building designed by Mexican architect Enrique Norten.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity of talking to students of the Honors College and providing facts about the relationship between Mexico and New Jersey, “ said Head Consul Diaz.
"A dedication to one's own community and all of its members necessitates the understanding of the relationships and interactions which take place therein—New Brunswick is a city whose rich diversity offers a great deal to be learned, and understanding the role of Mexican immigrants and Mexican-Americans is an integral aspect of this, as exemplified by Head Consul Diaz's lecture," said Luis Sanchez-Gonzalez (’26, SAS/HC). "Such a tremendous opportunity as having heard the Head Consul present can only serve to further engender the formation of ties to the local community."
Head Consul Diaz has been a member of the Mexican Foreign Service since 1999. She has held the following positions: Press Attaché at the Consulate General of Mexico in New York (2002); Consul of Political and Economic Affairs at the Consulate General of Mexico in Denver, Colorado (2003-2008); Consul of Political and Economic Affairs at the Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles, California (2008-2013); Advisor to the Undersecretary for North America of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2013-2015) and Deputy Consul in the Consular Section of the Embassy of Mexico in Washington, D.C. (August 2015-November 2022). She took office as Head Consul of the Consulate of Mexico in New Brunswick, New Jersey on December 1, 2022. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Cambridge.