Heidi Gómez

Heidi Gómez became the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Affairs (TRA) at the U.S. Department of State on July 2023. Previously, she served as Director for Mexican Affairs where she managed the U.S. bilateral relationship with one of the United States’ closest and most valued partners. She is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service with 25 years of experience serving at U.S. Embassies in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Heidi has also served as Counselor for Political and Economic Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe leading her teams to defend human rights, promote economic stability, and manage the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help programs. From 2015-2019, she served as Deputy Director for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement at U.S. Embassy-Lima, supporting U.S.-Peruvian efforts to fight drug trafficking and illegal gold mining in the Amazon. Heidi joined the Foreign Service in 1999 as an economic officer and has also served in Argentina, China, Malaysia, and El Salvador. Heidi is the recipient of the 2011 Arnold Raphel Memorial Award for her efforts to develop a culture of mentorship of a diverse cadre of leaders at the U.S. Department of State. She is also the recipient of the 2009 Swanee Hunt Award for her role in empowering Argentine women to combat drug and human trafficking, racial discrimination, and gender violence. Heidi has a Master’s in National Security Strategy from the National War College, a Master’s in Public Affairs from Princeton, and a Bachelor’s in Foreign Service from Georgetown. She also studied at the London School of Economics. Originally from LaPlace, LA, she is a proud graduate of the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts. She speaks fluent Spanish and intermediate Mandarin.