Ed. note: This post is part of the Spotlight on Commerce series highlighting members of the Department of Commerce and their contributions to the Open for Business Agenda.

Guest blog post by Maria Luisa Escudero, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of  the Secretary

I am a Senior Policy Advisor in the Global Economics Team which is a part of the Office of Policy and Strategic Planning in the Office of the Secretary, currently on a detail from the International Trade Administration. I am part of a team that works with bureaus across the Department to help coordinate and develop the Secretary’s international economic agenda, including on matters related to commercial diplomacy and trade policy and promotion. My day-to-day responsibilities include providing policy support on issues related to Europe and Africa. 

My work in support of the Secretary’s international trade and investment agenda is guided by the Department’s strategic vision which aims to expand the U.S. economy through increased exports and inward investment that leads to more and better jobs in the U.S. This work has been particularly meaningful over the past few years as we have worked hard to help the economy recover.

Prior to joining the Commerce Department in 2011, I practiced law in Washington, D.C. for about 10 years. I  grew up in Bilbao Spain where I also obtained a law degree from the University of Deusto Law School. I later obtained a Master’s Degree in International and Comparative Law from George Washington University.

When speaking to younger Hispanics, I always tell them that if they are interested in business – whether it’s international trade, entrepreneurship, or economic development – and they love to learn new things, then the Department of Commerce is the right government agency for them. You can have a very fulfilling career at Commerce surrounded by extremely smart people committed to public service…we have Nobel prize winners at NIST; talented economists at ESA; international trade experts at ITA; and scientists doing really meaningful work at NOAA.

Finally, Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate my roots and where I come from. I am proud of my heritage and the values it has instilled in me: hard work, determination, constant optimism and passion for life. I think these are values shared widely by the Hispanic community and they unite us, regardless of where we come from.