Lynn Hijar-Moya, 34, holds a master’s degree in global leadership from the University of San Diego; is bi-cultural, speaking fluent Spanish and having studied Japanese and French; has visited some 50 countries; worked for the Commander of Naval Air Forces as director of community relations and protocol, and for the San Diego World Trade Center as trade research manager.

She’s put all that knowledge to work on behalf of the city of San Diego in her two years as director of the Office of Protocol — the city’s international relations office under the mayor’s office. Hijar-Moya assists the mayor in planning visits and welcoming high-level guests, dignitaries, diplomats, government officials, military brass, celebrities, and other distinguished guests to San Diego and City Hall.

She’s the city’s liaison to the Consular Corps, embassies, international business organizations, cultural and economic development offices and Sister Cities. She stands in for the mayor in welcoming and assisting dignitaries when he cannot, and is responsible for proclamations and ceremonial documents. When she has spare time she draws … and travels.