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Who is the Man Behind the Consul?
An intimate conversation with Andrés Díaz

The story of Consul Andrés Díaz is that of an official who does not hide behind a desk. It is that of a human being who cooks with the same love with which he represents his country; who gets on his bicycle to clear his mind, but also to connect with his surroundings; who celebrates each family achievement just as he celebrates each consular advance. A Colombian who inspires, listens, solves… and never forgets that true diplomacy begins with empathy.

By Patricia Contreras*

In the multicultural heart of Houston, there is a diplomat who has achieved something uncommon: combining the seriousness of diplomacy with the warmth of a cycling dad, an amateur chef, and a tireless ally of his community. We are talking about Andrés Díaz, the current Consul of Colombia in Houston, whose story breaks the mold and makes it clear that diplomacy can also have a soul. Since he arrived in this Texas city more than two years ago, his style has transformed the perception of consular service. “This is a consulate of everyone and for everyone. Here we do not serve people according to their social class or political connections; here, everyone is treated equally,” he states with conviction. And it’s not just a slogan: his approachable, accessible, and deeply human leadership is felt in every corner of the consulate.
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Beyond the position, a complete human being

What surprised us the most at WoodlandStories Magazine was discovering the man behind the suit. Father of two daughters — one a 16-year-old and the other just 10 — and an involved husband and partner in family adventures, Díaz lives between diplomatic meetings and chess games, tennis matches, documentary marathons, and bike rides through Houston’s parks. One of his most special rituals is sharing his passion for Formula 1 with his daughters. “Watching the races together has become a family ritual,” he says with a smile that betrays genuine excitement. And if we talk about passions outside of work, there is one that blossomed during the pandemic: cooking. “It was my therapy. I would start inventing sauces, Thai dishes… and the audience — my family — gave me the thumbs-up,” he says with a laugh.

Migration with truth, empathy, and solutions

Díaz is no stranger to the immigration challenges that many Colombians face in the U.S. “Many arrive with false information. They are promised permits, jobs, dollars… and they encounter a harsh reality,” he warns. That’s why he insists on something key: seek official sources, get legal advice, and be wary of miraculous promises. His approach is clear: each story deserves professional guidance and dignified treatment.

A historic achievement: a new consulate in Dallas

One piece of news that excites him the most is the recent approval — by the Colombian Foreign Ministry — of the opening of a new consulate in Dallas. “Serving all of Texas from Houston is like trying to cover all of Colombia from Bogotá. Dallas will allow a more efficient and humane service,” he explains with the satisfaction of someone who sees an effort that will benefit thousands come to fruition.

Patriotic pride that is contagious

When he talks about Colombia, Andrés Díaz’s voice fills with emotion and pride. “Every Colombian here is an ambassador of our culture. Our attitude, the way we speak, the way we behave, says a lot about who we are as a country,” he reflects. And with that spirit, he promotes a vision of a community that is more united, more informed, and proud of its roots.

*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.

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