Socorro recounts how her career path, which began during her university years as an International Relations student at UNAM, led her to work in the Office of the President of Mexico and, subsequently, to represent her country in the United States.
1. Diplomacy as “the Field,” Not Just “the Desk”
- Constant Learning: Socorro emphasizes that modern diplomacy does not happen solely behind a desk. It implies being present in the field: in hospitals, prisons, research centers, and accompanying the community.
- Crisis Management: She explains that handling crises requires a combination of discipline, composure, and objectivity. When facing traumatic events (such as the implementation of anti-immigrant laws in Arizona), a diplomat must be capable of providing emotional support to others while maintaining the necessary cold-headedness to negotiate within the legal framework.
- The Border as a School: Her experience working for 8 years on the border (El Paso–Chihuahua) provided her with a human and complex perspective on migration, security, and cross-border dynamics, which defined a great part of her professional character.
2. Communication and Trust
- Beyond Informing: For her, communicating is not just about transmitting information; it is about building trust and creating communities.
- Objectivity: She underscores that, when faced with heartbreaking situations, the communicator or diplomat must remain objective so that facts are narrated with precision, always protecting the dignity of the individuals involved (especially children and affected families).
3. Advice for New Generations
- Attention to Detail: Her main recommendation for those seeking careers in politics or international relations is: “Read everything, even the fine print.” Nothing should be taken for granted.
- Insatiable Curiosity: She urges young people to keep their curiosity alive, to be selective with the information they consume, and to surround themselves with passionate people.
- Mental Health: As a public servant, it is vital to recognize that psychological and emotional support is necessary to stay strong and continue serving others without breaking down in the process.
“If we don’t give people the best of ourselves… then my work has no meaning. […] We humans are here to polish one another.” — Socorro Córdoba Horta
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