By Louis Zylka
The 830 Times
Mayor Al Arreola bid Paloma Villaseñor Vargas, consul of Mexico in Del Rio, goodbye and “vaya con Dios (go with God)” by awarding her a key to the city of Del Rio during the Aug. 25 council meeting.
Villaseñor was recognized for her six-year stint with the Mexican Consulate in Del Rio. Before working in Del Rio, Villaseñor also served as the consul of Mexico in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
During her time in Del Rio, she was involved in various community events, including Autism Awareness Day, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festivities and representing International Day of Indigenous Peoples at last month’s First Friday Art Walk.
Arreola began the presentation of the key by talking about how Villaseñor has been an inspiration over the years. Arreola praised Villaseñor’s dedication to representing Del Rio and Ciudad Acuña, Coah., Mexico, saying, “She goes all the way to Washington and wherever else she has to go to promote our community. It is sad to see her go. I have been lobbying Mexico not to let her leave, but the time has come.”
Arreola then presented the framed key to Villaseñor and posed for a picture with her along with the rest of the city council members. Villaseñor thanked Arreola and the city council for recognizing her contribution to the Del Rio community.
For her next venture, she will be serving as the general director for the main offices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Mexico City in September.
Villaseñor spoke with The 830 Times after the meeting to share more thoughts about her receiving the key and her time in Del Rio. Villaseñor said she felt “so loved” by the Del Rio community.
Though she was excited about the new chapter in her life, Villaseñor said she was sad to leave Del Rio and promised she will always carry fond memories of her time here.
“All my life I have been a public person. I have always been working for the government of Mexico. This is my mission (to help people) and I enjoy that,” Villaseñor said.
When talking about her involvement with the community events she was a part of, Villaseñor said she was most involved in bringing people together during the festivities of Cinco de Mayo, Diez y Seis de Septiembre (Mexican Independence Day) and Día de los Muertos.
Villaseñor again thanked everyone who was part of her journey in Del Rio.
