Morgan Robertson
Higher education, religion in government, water infrastructure, and domestic policy. What do all these topics have in common? They were all topics deliberated on during LEAP’s first day at The Texas Tribune Festival! With many absorbing and diverse topics covering legal happenings on varying scales, we were eager to expand our knowledge over the course of two days.
We saw a great deal of interesting and influential speakers, including three Chancellors from major Texas University Systems, who discussed the importance of establishing and maintaining their universities as Research Powerhouses…
Chancellor Mitchell encapsulated what it means to work for a university system with this impactful quote: “We are not in the higher (education) business, we are in the business of developing young people.”
And Morgan was able to ask a question!
Before leaving, we were able to get a photo with Chancellors Sharp and Khator.
Olivia and I especially enjoyed the panel regarding water infrastructure with Representative Tracy King and CEO of the Texas Water Foundation Sarah Schlessinger…
…as we are the most interested in local government. In fact, Olivia even asked a question…
….and we were all able to get a photo with Rep. King.
We also had a chance to learn from Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and Police Chief Neal Nokes, both of whom were excellent. They discussed “Crime in Cowtown”….
…specifically discussing some of the challenges associated with high-density areas. Although not explicitly asked by the moderator, many of the questions related to how high-profile leaders address the media and, specifically, themes or issues that they cover.
Although there are no magic bullets, both the Mayor and Chief stressed the importance of getting information out quickly and accurately whenever possible.
Our final panel was comprised of three directors of the Domestic Policy Council, who explained their roles and the importance of their staff in the White House.
Ariza and Ashlyn enjoyed speaking with Melody Barnes after the panel and even got a photo!
Upon completing our panels, we took a side trip to the Capitol, where Ashlyn and Morgan had interned this spring–and where Olivia might intern in a future spring!
It was Ariza’s first time in the capitol, and it was a great learning experience and a good activity cap to a day of fun and learning.
But our day of experiences and learning was not over! We concluded our evening with an amazing dinner at Taste of Ethiopia, which was a new food experience for Olivia and Ariza.
Over the delicious meal, we discussed some of what we learned from the day’s sessions and what we are looking forward to learning the next day!
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 