2024 STars hall of fame

Liliana Ferrer

Career Diplomat, Ambassador of Mexico to Thailand and Cambodia

Del Campo HS ‘82

A proud graduate of San Juan Unified and a third-generation diplomat, Ambassador Liliana Ferrer has devoted her career to fostering international understanding and diplomacy. A distinguished member of the Mexican Foreign Service since 1992, she currently serves as Mexico’s Ambassador to Thailand and Cambodia.

Previously, she served as Consul General of Mexico in Sacramento, deepening cross-border ties and representing her country with distinction in California’s capital. Her prior posts include Deputy Chief of Mission at the Mexican Embassy in Paris—where she was awarded France’s highest honor, the Legion of Honor—and Head of Political and Border Affairs at the Embassy of Mexico in Washington, D.C. Her extensive career has taken her from Guatemala to Los Angeles, San Diego to Mexico City, always focused on diplomacy, policy, and strengthening community connections.

Ambassador Ferrer holds a BA in International Relations from UC Davis and a Master’s in Pacific International Affairs from UC San Diego. She has served as a fellow at Harvard University and taught at both UCLA and Georgetown University. Her recently published work explores Mexico’s diplomacy in California as part of a broader study on international relations.

A passionate advocate for arts and culture, she began her journey in the performing arts as a professional jazz dancer and musical theater performer. Today, she continues to serve as a bridge between nations while inspiring future generations through her lifelong dedication to public service and education.

Ambassador Ferrer and her husband, Douglas Smurr, live a life rooted in global service and local pride. They are the proud parents of Alexander and María Cecilia, graduates of UC Berkeley and UCLA.