Jesús Miguel Sanz Escorihuela: A Diplomat with a Human Soul in Service of Spain in Houston

By Patricia Contreras*

In the world of diplomacy, brilliant résumés abound, but few carry behind them such a deeply human story as that of Jesús Miguel Sanz Escorihuela (Madrid, 1963). Now the Consul General of Spain in Houston, he has traveled across half the globe in the name of his country. And yet, when you listen to him speak, it becomes clear that his greatest pride lies not only in the positions he has held, but in the people, memories, and roots that have accompanied him at every stage of his journey.

Childhood Filled with Affection and Travel

During the interview, he recalls his childhood with a smile that lights up the story:

“I remember a childhood full of color, fun, and mischief, always protected by my parents’ love,” he says.

The son of a Navarrese mother and an Aragonese father grew up in Madrid in a household with four siblings. He describes his mother as a sweet and protective woman, and his father as the man who opened the door to his fascination with the wider world. “With him, I traveled through Europe from a young age; those trips sparked my curiosity and my desire to discover other cultures,” he adds.

Mathematics, Law, and Diplomacy

His academic background is as diverse as it is impressive. He is both a lawyer and an agricultural engineer, and in his early professional years, he even taught mathematics. That wide-ranging and analytical outlook led him to join the diplomatic service in 1992. Since then, his passport has gathered stamps from five continents: Tanzania, China, Japan, Thailand, New Zealand, France, Portugal, Brazil, and now the United States.

In each posting, more than simply representing Spain, he sought to build human bridges. “Diplomacy is not just politics: it’s culture, science, education, gastronomy, art. It’s about the people you meet along the way,” he affirms.

Houston: Rediscovering Spain in America

His arrival in Houston brought with it an unexpected rediscovery: the Spanish heritage of Texas and the American South. “As I explore this part of the country, I keep finding historical and human ties to Spain that make everything all the more fascinating,” he says with enthusiasm.

He points out the missions of San Antonio, the acequias, the patios, and even everyday words as living testimony of that legacy. “When you walk through Santa Fe or San Antonio, you feel that Spain is still present. It’s in the stone, in the streets, in the names. That heritage unites us, and we must celebrate it,” he notes proudly.

Under his leadership, the Consulate has promoted cultural exhibitions, culinary festivals, and academic conferences designed to strengthen ties not only with the Hispanic community, but also with Americans at large.

Balancing Personal Life and Public Service

Sanz readily acknowledges that diplomacy comes at a cost. “It’s a fascinating career, but it also brings uprooting. The constant relocations, the shifts in language and culture… they’re not always easy,” he explains.

He speaks with special emotion when mentioning his son, his loyal companion through so many moves. “I am grateful to him for sharing this itinerant life with me. He gave it meaning and turned it into an enriching experience,” he reflects.

A Message to the Hispanic Community

The conversation ends with a clear and heartfelt message that reflects his inclusive vision:

“Here we add up. There are many of us, and together we are very powerful. This part of the United States has an enormous human and historical wealth that we must celebrate, because Hispanic and Spanish roots are alive and they connect us all.”

In Jesús Miguel Sanz Escorihuela, the rigor of the diplomat blends with the warmth of a man who values humanity above titles. His story is a reminder that behind official positions there are lives that inspire, families that support, and a legacy that reaches far beyond borders.

*Patricia Contreras is a journalist with over 25 years of experience across multiple media outlets, holding a postgraduate degree in Public Opinion and a master’s in political science with a focus on Public Policy. She is the founder and director of WoodlandStories Magazine.