Tours: Kingston Jamaica, Hong Kong, Global Affairs Officer in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Chile Desk Officer, Tijuana, Deputy Director of the Office of International Labor Affairs, and Reports and Blockchain Coordinator for the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor

Career Track: Political

Years of Service: 16+

Prior Experience: U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Solicitor, Golden Gate University Office of Admissions

Languages: Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese

Education: BA International Relations, Pomona College; JD Law, Golden Gate University

Interesting Experience: While serving in Tijuana, my responsibilities included economic affairs, meaning it was my job to understand the economy of the region. I visited over 50 factories in four years, with a particular highlight being the Fender and Taylor guitar factories. These visits allowed me to learn a great deal about the manufacturing processes, whether it be the unique drying machine for wooden acoustic guitars or the efforts needed to artificially age electric guitars so that they look “road worn.” I also saw first hand the techniques for making amplifiers and cases.

Last Post: Last overseas post was in Tijuana

Why I Chose a Foreign Service Career: My grandfather was a county commissioner and instilled in me the idea that government can be a force for positive change. While working at the U.S. Department of Labor, I had the chance to collaborate with Department of State employees as part of our efforts to return back wages to workers from Asia who had been exploited in the United States. That experience, plus my longtime interest in other cultures and languages, prompted me to apply.