THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | MAY-JUNE 2026 13 of our “special friends.” We are grateful to have known him at the start of our careers and inspired by the example he set for a life of service. The 188th A-100 Class Moises Mendoza was the epitome of putting others first, and his passion and commitment to doing what was right were unparalleled. As an active part of the glifaa community, he believed deeply in serving and supporting LGBTQIA+ employees and in harnessing the power of queer colleagues around the world to support local communities. Several glifaa members met Moises when he was still at the beginning of his career. He initially came to them for advice, but it did not take long to realize that they were learning just as much from him as he was from them, and maybe even more. He was a role model for selflessness and dedication, and over the last year, he continued to be active and engaged in supporting his colleagues, despite the challenges facing many in the glifaa community. Moises asked the hard questions and made sure people lived the integrity they preached. Many in the glifaa community are better people because of the lessons he taught us. He will be deeply missed by those who were privileged to know him. Jeff Anderson FSO, former glifaa president (2020–2021) Washington, D.C. With broken hearts, the members of the Hispanic and Latin Employee Council of Foreign Affairs Agencies (HECFAA) share our deepest condolences on the sudden passing of our dear friend, longtime member, and tireless advocate, Moises Mendoza. This is such devastating news, and it is hard to put into words the loss we feel. Moises was one of the kindest people we have ever known—brilliant, generous, and endlessly giving of himself. A true “jack of all trades,” fueled by an insatiable curiosity about the world, he carried remarkable expertise across so many areas—diplomacy, journalism, technology, social justice, and human rights. Yet above all his accomplishments, what defined him most was his extraordinary ability to connect with people. He offered support selflessly, uplifted others without hesitation, and dedicated himself fully to those who needed encouragement, guidance, or simply a caring friend. He always pushed us—to think bigger, do better, be better. His intellect, compassion, and unwavering belief in others left an indelible mark on our familia. On the HECFAA Executive Board, Moises filled countless roles, including FS vice president, Hispanic Heritage Month communications lead, treasurer, innovation chair, in-house journalist, and storyteller. His legacy is how he embodied what it means to lead fearlessly with love and integrity. Moises said, “It’s certainly my goal every day to make the world a little bit better.” And he did. Every single day. That he passed close to his birthday and Valentine’s Day—el Día de la Amistad—feels especially poignant. On a day meant to celebrate love and friendship, we are reminded how deeply we cherish and miss our friend. Even in our sorrow, we hold on to gratitude for the light he brought into our lives. He made this world better through his daily acts of service, kindness, and humble generosity. He was an angel who deserves heaven, having given so much of himself
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