r.c. mERCADO
Rocio Mercado-Garcia is a seasoned U.S. diplomat and foreign policy professional with extensive experience in international affairs and public service.
She joined the U.S. Foreign Service in 2007, serving in overseas assignments at U.S. Embassies in Paris, Mexico City, and Bogotá. Throughout her career, she has worked across a range of areas, including economic policy, consular affairs, international organizations, and foreign policy analysis.
A 2021 Excellence in Government Fellow, Mercado-Garcia holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from UCLA and a Master’s degree in International Relations, with a focus on conflict resolution, from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.
Her professional journey reflects a strong commitment to diplomacy, public service, and the importance of diverse perspectives in international affairs. She has also been recognized during Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations at the U.S. Department of State, highlighting her pride in her Hispanic/Latino heritage and her belief in the value of representation.
Based in Maryland, Mercado-Garcia has also applied her expertise to economic strategy and advisory work, including her role as an economic strategist with Ascendant Partners. In 2026, she ran for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 27C, focusing her campaign on workforce development, economic growth, and partnerships with local businesses.
Through her career and writing, Rocio Mercado-Garcia brings together her experiences in diplomacy, international relations, leadership, and community engagement, offering readers a perspective shaped by a lifelong commitment to service and making a difference.
