Andres Chao heard this quote several years ago in Mexico, and it had a great impact on him. That’s understandable. As Mexican Consul in Little Rock, Chao is faced with the daunting task of acting as liaison between the local Mexican and American communities. He must maintain a place in which Mexican citizens can feel at home while also representing his people and his country as a whole within the American community. It’s a difficult job, but one that also holds great opportunity for both communities to collaborate and accomplish great things.
Chao says the Mexican Consulate office in Arkansas — the 47th in the United States — was created in 2007 mainly due to a growth in population of Mexican nationals living in the state. Its jurisdiction covers the state of Arkansas, the western part of Tennessee, and the eastern part of Oklahoma, including Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
One of the primary functions of the Consulate is to provide governmental services to the Mexican community, including the issuance of Mexican passports and official national identity cards — Matricula Consular. Among other duties, the Consulate safeguards the rights of Mexican citizens and fosters and develops programs to improve the education, health, financial education and community health of Mexicans living in the U.S. “This includes regular visits to authorities, community leaders and entrepreneurs in these cities and also the organization of mobile consulates where we bring the services we offer closer to the people,” said Chao.
“The message we try to convey is that our presence here mirrors the one of the U.S. authorities in Mexico; they are also looking after the interests of the numerous U.S. citizens living within my country,” said Chao. “Additionally, we are in favor of cultural and economic exchanges; we have been able to aid in an exchange agreement between the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the State University in Hidalgo, Mexico, among other positive programs, and we want to keep working to bring positive exchanges that benefit the people of Arkansas and my country.”
One such opportunity to open the channels of economic and cultural trade is Little Rock’s upcoming celebration of Mexico’s Bicentennial of its independence and the Centennial of the Mexican Revolution. “Both are central events in the history of my country,” said Chao, “and we are very happy to be able to share their importance with the people of Arkansas. We are partnering with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the cities of Little Rock and North Little Rock to plan a series of events.”
The celebration will begin in September, which is the month Mexico gained her independence, and will continue through November, the month when Chao says Mexicans celebrate the beginning of the Mexican Revolution. “We will have the opportunity to showcase art exhibitions, musical, academic, culinary and civic events,” he added. “We hope to have the participation of everyone in Arkansas, and we know these events will be enjoyed by all.” For more information on the celebration of Mexico’s Bicentennial in Little Rock, visit ArkansasMexico2010.com.
A Southern Man
A native of Mexico City and the youngest of seven, Chao and his wife, Begoña, have three children: Andres, 13, Alexia, 10, and Zita, 8. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications science from the Autonomous Metropolitan University in Mexico and a master’s degree in business management from the National Institute of Public Administration in Mexico City.
Prior to moving to Little Rock, Chao’s career took him to some exciting places. “I had the privilege of living in the Netherlands for two years as political attache to the Mexican Embassy.” He then served as press attache at the Mexican Consulate in New York for two years, but his current position holds a special place in his heart. “I will always remember Arkansas for being the place where I was able to be the Head Consul representing my country,” he said.
Soirée: Who are your role models?
Chao: Winston Churchill, Bill Clinton and the late Luis Donaldo Colosio, presidential candidate for Mexico in 1994, who was murdered, and with whom I had the privilege of collaborating.
What do you enjoy most about your position?
I have the opportunity to represent and promote my country. Many positive things about Mexico we convey are: first of all, there is the warmth of my people, the strength of our families, the richness of our culture, the beauty of our landscapes and our fantastic food. The pride this brings me is what makes me gather strength every day and makes me pursue a better future for my countrymen and my country. Also, I have the opportunity of meeting interesting persons from different backgrounds and communities.
What has been most challenging about your new position?
Being the first diplomat in function in the state has been the greatest challenge. Since we are the first foreign representation in the state, as the leader I have had to explain the role of the consulate and its officers to state, city and county authorities. Some of them have received us with great enthusiasm and others with less. But it is very rewarding to share our work with the people of Arkansas.