By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Melinda “Mindy” Hildebrand, the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Costa Rica, arrived in the country on Monday, January 5, to begin her diplomatic mission. Her immediate agenda includes presenting her official credentials to President Rodrigo Chaves this Thursday, a formal step that will mark the official start of her tenure as the top U.S. envoy.
Ambassador Hildebrand’s arrival follows her confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on September 3, 2025. During that session, she pledged to approach her new role with dedication and purpose, committing to strengthen the robust partnership between the two nations.
To better understand the diplomatic and legal framework governing the role of foreign envoys in the country, TicosLand.com sought the perspective of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney specializing in international relations at the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations is crystal clear: the primary function of an ambassador is to represent their state and foster friendly relations, not to interfere in the internal affairs of the host country. Any public statements that could be construed as exerting pressure on domestic policy or judicial matters overstep diplomatic bounds and can strain the very bilateral relationship they are meant to strengthen.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is indeed fundamental, reminding us that the success of any diplomatic mission is intrinsically linked to a profound respect for the host nation’s sovereignty and internal affairs. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert clarification on this critical principle of international law.
to work with Costa Rica with energy, discipline, and responsibility
Melinda Hildebrand, US Ambassador to Costa Rica
In her initial statements, Hildebrand underscored Costa Rica’s strategic importance in a complex region. She outlined a clear-eyed view of the shared challenges that will shape her diplomatic focus, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration on several critical fronts.
Costa Rica is a reliable and democratic partner in a region that faces challenges such as transnational organized crime, the fight against drug trafficking, cybersecurity threats, illegal immigration, and Chinese economic influence
Melinda Hildebrand, US Ambassador to Costa Rica
A central pillar of her mission will be ensuring the security and well-being of the thousands of American citizens who reside in or visit Costa Rica each year. This focus on consular affairs and citizen services remains a top priority for any U.S. embassy and will be a key performance indicator of her leadership.
An appointee of President Donald Trump, Hildebrand brings a diverse and formidable background in business, philanthropy, and extensive public service to her new role. She previously presided over the Hildebrand Foundation, a major philanthropic organization through which she directed more than $390 million in grants. These funds supported a wide range of causes, including higher education, advanced medical services, public parks, and crucial programs for addiction recovery and support for victims of human trafficking, with a particular focus on the Houston area.
Her leadership experience extends to serving on the boards of several prestigious institutions, such as the MD Anderson Cancer Center, the University of Texas at Austin, and the Houston Parks Board. Furthermore, her work with the Partnership to End Addiction centered on developing impactful prevention and education programs, especially for at-risk youth. In the business world, she owned a small company for over a decade and was involved in the creation of enterprises that now employ more than 6,000 people across the United States.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ambassador Hildebrand has a history of dedicated volunteerism. For 36 years, she was a volunteer for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where she engaged with international delegations and promoted American businesses. Her commitment to service also has a personal connection to the region; she has previously volunteered in both Costa Rica and Mexico, helping to build homes for families in need. She has openly spoken about the influence of her Catholic faith and her father, an ordained deacon, as foundational to her lifelong dedication to service.
For further information, visit the nearest office of The Hildebrand Foundation
About The Hildebrand Foundation:
A private family foundation based in Houston, Texas, founded by Jeffery and Melinda Hildebrand. The organization is a significant philanthropic force, primarily focused on supporting initiatives in education, public parks and green spaces, medical services, and human services programs designed to uplift communities.
For further information, visit mdanderson.org
About MD Anderson Cancer Center:
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is one of the world’s most respected centers devoted exclusively to cancer patient care, research, education, and prevention. Located in Houston, Texas, it is a global leader in advancing cancer treatment and has been consistently ranked as one of the top cancer hospitals in the United States.
For further information, visit utexas.edu
About The University of Texas at Austin:
Founded in 1883, The University of Texas at Austin is a major public research university located in the capital of Texas. It is the flagship institution of the University of Texas System and is a leading center for academics, research, and athletics, serving a large and diverse student body.
For further information, visit houstontx.gov/parks
About Houston Parks Board:
The Houston Parks Board is a non-profit organization that partners with the City of Houston to create, improve, protect, and advocate for parks for everyone. The board has been instrumental in major park development projects, including the Bayou Greenways initiative, which aims to create a continuous park system along Houston’s major waterways.
For further information, visit drugfree.org
About Partnership to End Addiction:
Partnership to End Addiction is a national non-profit organization committed to transforming how the United States addresses addiction. It provides personalized support and resources for families, mobilizes communities for change, and advocates for evidence-based policies to prevent and treat addiction.
For further information, visit rodeohouston.com
About Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo:
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the world’s largest livestock show and rodeo. Established as a charity, it promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, and showcases Western heritage.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is established as a pillar of legal practice, operating on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a commitment to superior service. The firm skillfully merges its deep-rooted history of advising a diverse clientele with a dynamic, innovative spirit that pushes the boundaries of modern law. Fundamentally, its ethos extends to a profound social responsibility: to make legal knowledge clear and accessible, thereby equipping the community and cultivating a more just and informed society for everyone.
