Meet the first female head of the Mexican Consulate in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS — WRTV celebrates variety day-after-day and this month is Hispanic Heritage Month.

So, we’re taking a better take a look at the Mexican Consulate in Indiana and the distinctive manner the brand new head of the consulate is making a distinction for the Hispanic group.

On the nook of Lord and East streets, the Mexican flag waves excessive above the consulate.

Step inside and also you’ll meet the brand new head of the consulate, Leticia Maki Teramoto.

Spanish comes straightforward to her and so does the spirit of her nation.

“What we name, me casa is sue casa, that’s true,” Teramoto stated. “I used to be born there (in Mexico Metropolis). I used to be raised there. The one time I’ve left Mexico is when serving to the federal government.”

Teramoto joined the Ministry of International Affairs, in 1992. She moved state-side to work on the Mexican embassy, in Washington and later on the Mexican consulate in New York Metropolis.

“I communicate Japanese, however after all, I’m fluent in Spanish, and I’m doing my finest in English (laughs),” Teramoto stated.

A Hoosier since July 16 she brings humor and humility, as a trailblazer in her place.

“The principle distinction that I really feel I’m making is that I’m the primary feminine officer from the federal government of Mexico as head of the consulate,” Teramoto stated.

Her roots stay grounded, as she embraces making a change.

The workplace of the Indiana consulate is simply twenty years previous. She covers Indiana, Kentucky and a part of Ohio.

“We’re solely 5 members of the Mexican international service, however we cowl 241 counties within the tri-state space,” Teramoto stated.

On Mexican Independence Day, you may catch her placing a face to the group and dancing with Hispanic Hoosiers, however her work goes past the dance flooring.

“A part of the day is for documentation, one other half is for cover after which cultural occasions, after which assembly with authorities and elected officers or legislation enforcement officers. So, yeah, we’ve got a variety of work,” Teramoto stated.

Again on the consulate, she turns her energy right into a mission of accountability.

“A part of our group are un-documented. That makes them weak,” stated Teramoto. “I would like them to be welcomed. So for that, we are going to want the assistance and the help and the help of native authorities, federal and state authorities, in addition to different allied organizations on migration, on schooling, on well being.”

Now on this Hispanic Heritage Month, she shares a message of open doorways with Hoosiers, as the primary feminine head of the Mexican consulate, in Indiana.

“In any doubt, please contact the consulate of Mexico. We’re those who can give you correct and direct info that you just want,” Teramoto stated.

In accordance with international service legislation, Teramoto stated the top of the consulate normally serves 4 to 5 years. Her plan is to go to Kentucky subsequent.