Trust, Love, Respect Yourself:
The Consul's Message to Latinas
By Patricia Contreras*
WoodlandStories Magazine is proud to share with its readers a unique, heartfelt, and deeply human conversation with a woman with a Hispanic heart: María Elena Orantes, the current Consul of Mexico in Houston.
A politician, communicator, writer, mother, grandmother, and passionate public servant, María Elena doesn’t just represent Mexico—she lives it, breathes it, and expresses it in every word.
Becoming consul was a complete life change. Moving to a new city, leaving your family behind, making hard decisions... but all for the love of Mexico and service to others.
A woman leading a historic mission
After more than a year and a half at the helm of the Consulate General of Mexico in Houston, María Elena has faced challenging times. From immigration issues to human rights protections, her approach is crystal clear:
“Serve with empathy, with passion, and with results.”
Every day, more than 1,000 people receive attention at the consulate—from basic paperwork to legal advice in cases of violence or deportation. And through the Consulate on Wheels program, her team has reached vulnerable communities in areas like Pasadena, Conroe, and Port Arthur.
“The Mexican community deserves dignified attention. Our consulate is an extension of Mexico. When you walk through our doors, you’re already home.”
50+1: Women Empowering Women
María Elena doesn’t just lead a consulate—she also founded and presides over 50+1, a powerful network of women in politics, academia, and business, now present in 13 U.S. cities and several countries across Latin America and Europe.
“Women working for women. That’s how 50+1 was born—to unite forces, build a network, and change realities through sisterhood.”
From Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio to New York, Miami, Paris, and Santiago de Chile, the organization continues to grow with just one requirement: be Latina and want to change the world.
The other side of the consul: mother, grandmother, and woman of faith
Despite her intense schedule, María Elena never forgets what keeps her grounded: her family.
“Being a consul is my job, but being a mom and grandmother is my greatest joy.”
She is the mother of two daughters, a proud grandmother to a little boy who has her “madly in love,” and the wife of a Texan with Cuban roots who introduced her to salsa music.
She loves Mexican food (even if she only knows how to make quesadillas), is addicted to good coffee, adores books (and is currently writing one titled “Mujer, punto y punto”), and dreams of a world where women learn to truly live, respect, and love themselves.
“If you don’t love yourself, you can’t love anyone. If you don’t respect yourself, you can’t ask for respect.”
Migration and fear: a reality that touches the soul
In her role, she has witnessed the fear, separation, and pain of thousands of migrant families. But she has also seen the courage of those who leave everything behind in search of a better future.
“Fear cannot be your life partner. We are here to walk with you, to help you, to defend your rights.”
From offering guidance to avoid unjust deportations to supporting those who choose to return to Mexico voluntarily, the Casa de México in Houston has become a place of hope.
Social media, family, and the meaning of real success
For her, success isn’t about going viral—it’s about living with purpose. In a world driven by speed and immediacy, her advice is clear:
“We need to disconnect in order to reconnect. Enjoy the after-dinner conversations, look each other in the eye, talk with the people you love. That’s what truly makes you whole.”
A message for every woman reading this today
To close, she leaves us with a powerful phrase that reflects her spirit:
“Trust yourself. Love yourself deeply. Respect yourself without fear. And never forget—being a woman is an act of power.”
*Journalist with over 25 years of experience in various media outlets, holding a postgraduate degree as a Specialist in Public Opinion and a Master’s in Political Science with an emphasis on Public Policy. She is also the founding director of WoodlandStories Magazine.
