Name: Martha Elia Sanchez de Silverman
Age: 35
Position: Honorary consul, Republic of Mexico
First job: Bank teller
Favorite pastimes: Aerobics, movies

"These people are a very productive part of the community - working on farms, restaurants or in the construction industry," said Silverman, the new honorary Mexican consul in Hawaii.

Her work with government officials includes assisting Mexican nationals with documentation and travel needs.

She replaced Rueben Ortiz, who retired in 1993 and has been assisting in consular duties since then.

Silverman is an accountant and network administrator for accountancy firm Erwin Cabrinha and Au. She worked in banking in Mexico and California before moving to Hawaii in 1990. She lives in Kailua.