We had the good fortune of connecting with Marcela Celorio and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a Mexican Diplomat in the United States, I work tirelessly to provide information, assistance and protection to the Mexican nationals abroad. It is important to stress that we encourage people to be law abiding citizens. Yes, there are many undocumented migrants but their labor here is needed and there is a lack of legal framework that would allow them to regularize their situation. The pandemic just showed us their importance. It is urgent to provide these people, who risk their lives every day, pay taxes, have American children, with the possibility to make amends and apply for their regular status.

Please tell us more about your career. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way.
I am a Mexican Diplomat, being privileged to represent my country for more than 25 years. It hasn’t been easy but I am satisfied. I will share with you a few of the lessons I abide by… 1. Enjoy the journey. Every step, every step you climb up, don’t hurry, take it easy. This doesn’t mean to stop having ambition or desire. 2. Teamwork. Learn to work as a team, because throughout your professional life the knowledge acquired will give you back the commitment and support from your colleagues. Eventually, when you became the boss, you will not only be the head of an office, a business or an organization, but you will be a leader. 3. Power. When you reach a position of power, arrive to that place with a coherent background, a professional career without blemish, a career where actions are linked to your words. In such a way, that your colleagues feel proud they belong to your team. 4. Tradeoffs. Develop your negotiation skills. Forget issues like “it is not fair” “I am not lucky” remember that in life, one does not have what we think we deserve but what we can negotiate. Get to know yourself, identify clearly what you are asking for and what you are willing to give in return. 5. Be creative. That the lack of financial and human resources won´t stop you to continue innovating and carrying out your work. There is nothing worse than arguing that you can’t. You always can, and of course nobody is bound to the impossible, but there are always alternatives, find them, identify them. 

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Well, we have to take into consideration that Tourism and Entertainment is one of the largest industries in L.A. County. I would start with a nice morning walk and a yoga class in Santa Monica and a coffee in one of these little restaurants that they have in the area, then I do love Malibu, there I will do some shopping and have brunch by the dock. Then I will go and take a ride to Hollywood Hills West to see if I am lucky and I can watch while someone is filming. Then I will go to LACMA to see what exhibit is on display, there are always good ones, and of course take a photo at the entrance with all these wonderful columns and lights. I will have a nice dinner at the Carousel, a Middle Eastern restaurant with a fantastic vibe in Glendale, before I get to the LA Opera. 

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My recognition goes to all the wonderful friends that I have, no matter their background, race, ideology, religion, democrats, republicans, independents. All of them are part of who I am. They have contributed with their love, laughs, advises, opinions and support. I have been so so lucky to have fantastic friends that I admire, respect and love.

Website: https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/losangeles/
Instagram: @XBorderAmb
Linkedin: Marcela Celorio
Twitter: @XBorderAmb
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConsuladoGeneral.Mx.LA
Youtube: diplomaciacultural.mx

Image Credits
Andrea Hall

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