With a full day in Philadelphia ahead of us, LEAP students ventured into town this morning to explore the beautiful public art around the city. Our first stop, of course, had to begin with Philadelphia City Hall, the largest in the nation! Afterall, this eye-catching building is grounded in one of the most historical states. The building itself is noticeable from many miles away, with a statue of William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania. The statue, sculpted by Alexander Milne Calder (Not to be confused with contemporary abstract artist Alexander “Sandy” Calder), brings not only the state’s historical aspect to the City Hall, but also connects other notable pieces of artwork to the artist.
Ambassadors in front of City Hall (and Oldenburg Sculpture)
Just a short stroll down Logan Square, we encountered Three Discs, One Lacking by Sandy Calder, grandson of Milne. Further down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Calder legacy continues with the Swann Memorial Fountain, which was created by Alexander Stirling Calder, the father of Sandy Calder. These pieces not only highlight the artistic legacy of the Calder family but also illustrate how thoughtful city planning can weave art into the very fabric of a community. The alignment of these sculptures offered us a unique opportunity to reflect on how art connects generations and transforms public spaces.
As we continued exploring Logan Square, a lovely red caught the eye of many. Surely enough, we were met with yet another LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana!
“LOVE,” by Robert Indiana
By the end of the day, we’d spotted three of Indiana’s works, including the AMOR sculpture, which added a multilingual flair to the city’s celebration of brotherly love.
“Amor,” by Robert Indiana
One artist that I was unfamiliar of during this tour was Zenos Frudakis. His sculpture Freedom, however, quickly became my favorite. The theatrical movement of the statues and the intricate details within each sculpture made every piece a part of a larger narrative, expressing an individual’s desire to abandon a life of comfort in pursuit of freedom.
“Freedom,” by Zenos Frudakis
We also encountered a mural by Richard Haas, another artist familiar to LEAP students. Keeping his famous trompe l’oeil style, the piece depicted Benjamin Franklin and William Penn and spans an entire wall to capture the essence of Philadelphia’s historical and cultural heritage.
Richard Haas Mural, 2300 Chestnut
Haas even drew inspiration from the Benjamin Franklin Statue by John Boyle, located on the University of Pennsylvania campus.
Philadelphia’s public art left us with a deeper appreciation for the city’s vibrant cultural identity. From the Calder family’s generational influence to the iconic works by Indiana, Frudakis, and Haas, each piece added a layer of history, creativity, and connection to our journey. By the end of the day, we realized that the city itself is a canvas, where every corner invites reflection and inspiration.
Lunch at Casa Mexicoand South Philly Barbacoa
by Israel Gallegos
For our much-needed lunch break, we went to Casa Mexico and South Philly Barbacoa, a joint restaurant heading towards the southern part of Philadelphia. The restaurant’s head chef, Cristina Martinez, is a James Beard Award recipient for Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic region in 2022. So, we took this as a great sign to cross this off our trip list!
We ordered an array of dishes to get the full Mexican experience with a twist of Philadelphian culture. Accompanying our dishes, the group ordered horchata and jamaica, which passed Cinthia’s freshness test, and the guacamole, which was excellent.
The course started with half a kilo of barbacoa for the group, followed by chiles rellenos, a staple Mexican dish. The group also enjoyed enchiladas verdes. Personally, having tried enchiladas verdes many times, I can attest to the quality of the enchiladas at Casa Mexico.
To top off the main course, we had mole, which was my personal favorite as it tasted like home.
To end the meal, we of course had to indulge in our sweet craving and try both the tres leches cake and flan!
Somehow, we still found a bit of space in our stomachs, so we walked down the street in the freezing temperatures to get warm cups of coffee. The establishment, Rim Café, an Italian American café, was decorated as if they were collectors of timepieces depicting the true Italian American culture. Our Italian in the group, Olivia, was the judge, and she said the place reminded her of her uncle’s garage. I take that as the place doing a good job embodying a part of the culture.
Sticking to the classics, we ordered the original and chocolate cannoli (both of which were devoured in seconds).
Nevertheless, my favorite sight at Rim Café was an affogato that Saara got, it consisted of tiramisu gelato on the outside and hot espresso in the middle of it, providing a perfect mixture of hot and cold. Although I got the after-lunch dip, we kept moving to our next stop, the Barnes Foundation.
Experiencing the Philadelphia Barnes Collection
by Cinthia Villarreal
Dr. Barnes started his ambitious collection of art in 1912 and during four decades went on to collect what is now known as a highly regarded assemblage of art. With over 170 paintings of Renoir, and multiple works of Picasso, Van Gogh, Degas, Modigliani, and Seurat, we were all looking forward to visiting the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia.
After a brief delay caused by an over-zealous security guard (take your jackets off!”). we entered the main room, and we could see the beautiful pieces decorating the four walls. Impressionism, characterized by short, broken brushstrokes and unmixed colors, is one of my favorite styles of art, so I was absolutely delighted as I saw Renoir’s name repeat itself throughout the walls.
As we moved through the exhibit, we started recognizing names from past museum visits, including Olivia’s favorite piece from Goya.
A unique feature of Barnes Foundation is that they do not use the common labels with the title and artist next to each of the pieces. Instead, they have brass plaques fixated with the artist’s name on each of the ornate frames.
To assist those who would like to understand a piece further, the Foundation allows one to scan the paintings with a phone to learn more about the composition and history of the piece.
Isreal, who’s less exposed to the art scene, found a particular liking for the European art, as well as Michelle, who’s favorite was El Greco’s.
In all, we greatly appreciate expanding our understanding of the humanities, especially when it highlights the contrast between where we started and how much we’ve grown. The Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia was a great end to our day, filled with experiencing the city and all that it has to offer!
On day two in New York, we woke full of hope and to clear blue skies…
…albeit with a pronounced chill in the air.
Despite the cold, we were ready to explore the city on foot–not, perhaps, expecting to get in more than 30,000 steps while visiting four museums and two libraries!
Although these museums host art from myriad genres and movements, we focused on three primary areas: American, European, and Modern/Contemporary, finding that this was more than enough to keep us busy over a long day while also expanding our knowledge of the arts.
American
With us bringing different levels of knowledge about art to the trip, there was something for everyone to enjoy–and learn about–among the Museums’ many collections. Speaking for myself, I had many opportunities for learning, and my first such experience of the day involved coming across Early Sunday Morning, by Edward Hopper, at The Whitney.
The American collections had many great pieces, showcasing the depth and diversity of American art. Edward Hopper’s Early Sunday Morning (Whitney) drew me in…
“Early Sunday Morning,” by Edward Hopper
…which was perhaps appropriate, inasmuch as Hopper was born near New York, and he died in Manhattan, not far from where we were seeing his work. This particular piece, I learned, reflected his most commonly emphasized colors (red, yellow, blue, green), as well as the sense of loneliness and isolation that so often characterizes his art.
The museums also showcased Thomas Hart Benton, one of Professor Yawn’s favorite artists. His piece The Lord is my Shepherd (Whitney), Cotton Pickers (The Met), and America Today (The Met), highlighted the regionalist style, while also showcasing Benton’s sense of artistic rhythm.
The representation of African American artists was particularly moving, including Jacob Lawrence’s emotionally charged War Series, which captured collective anxiety…
…and Horace Pippin’s compelling Cabin in the Cotton (Whitney).
We should also mention a work of art in its own (W)right: The Guggenheim Museum. Although all of us appreciate Frank Lloyd Wright’s work none of us had been inside one of the last major architectural works of Wright’s story career, In addition to scoping out the art around the walls and alcoves, we also spent much time simply looking at the interior from various angles and perspectives. Beyond the many genres of art we had a chance to experience, we added to this list American architecture.
European
The European collections presented numerous memorable works. One of the day’s highlights was getting a selfie with Vincent van Gogh’s Self Portrait with a Straw Hat (The Met) and seeing a study of Georges Seurat’s magnificent A Sunday on La Grande Jatte (The Met). Other notable works included John Singer Sargent’s Wyndham Sisters (The Met) and Renoir’s Woman with Parakeet (Guggenheim).
Moreover, I was particularly excited to see more pieces by Edgar Degas, especially after seeing a copy of his famous sculpture Little Dancer of Fourteen Years outside the Degas House in New Orleans. One that I was fond of is his Dancer Moving Forward (Guggenheim) sculpture.
Modern
The modern collections sparked much reminiscence and contemplation. Georgia O’Keeffe’s Ladder to the Moon (Whitney) initially made our group think of Leandro Erlich’s Too Late for Help piece in the New Orleans Museum of Art Besthoff Sculpture Garden, and it was a different look than what we were used to seeing from Ms. O’Keeffe.
And, Keith Haring’sUntitled 1981 piece (Whitney) was enjoyed by everyone and left us thinking of his other known works.
Rene Magritte’s The Lovers (MoMA) particularly excited Olivia, while Salvador Dali’s The Persistence of Memory (MoMA) proved even more captivating in person than in reproductions.
Jackson Pollock’s One: Number 31 (MoMA) captivated us with its scale and abstract expressionist techniques. And, seeing Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night (MoMA) in person was a treat, a piece Olivia and I had long hoped to experience!
Seeing art from these diverse categories has helped structure my understanding. As I learn more about art, it becomes enjoyable to identify artists before reading the placards. I hope to develop this skill further, aspiring to reach the expertise level of Stephanie, Professor Yawn, and Olivia!
NY Stroll
Walking to four art museums allows for quite a lot of site-seeing, and we tried too make most of our journeys on foot. We began by hoping to photograph the Statue of Liberty, but we were foiled by New York’s never-ending construction. The Statue of Liberty was visible only by boat or through a window, and we only had time for the latter–definitely not the photo we hoped for.
As if to compensate, we had an unexpected photo opportunity, when we all witnessed what Olivia described as “the most New York thing I’ve ever seen”–a squirrel eating a bagel.
We also made our way past the “Charging Bull”, which judging by the sides of the crowds, was probably one of the most popular sites in NYC.
Nearby, we saw the statue of the defiant and vigilant girl, who keeps watch on the New York Stock Exchange.
Because this trip was designed for us to see the presidential inauguration, we also stopped by “Again”, the Federal Hall, to get another and better photo of the George Washington Statue. This significant site was witness to the first ever presidential inauguration and, later, to the writing of the Bill of Rights.
Probably the biggest treat for us was visiting the grand New York Public Library. We stopped for a selfie here, named after the two famous lions who stand guard to the front of the building.
One of these lions is named Patience; one is named Fortitude. No one, it seems, knows which is which, and because they are identical, we’re not sure it matters. Inside the NY Public Library, we visited the periodical reading room, which features 13 murals by Richard Haas. After some negotiation with the paid staff, we were allowed to take a few pictures. Haas, of course, has done 15 murals in our adopted hometown of Huntsville, Texas. Interestingly, New York has the most interior murals of Richard Haas, while Huntsville has the most exterior murals of his in any city in the world. Not to brag, or anything. (Thank you Linda Pease.)
Of course, we had to stop into the nearby Grand Central Station, which we found to be beautiful.
Chrissy also found the “whispering wall,” where a vocalization on one corner will transmit to the other corner, with those in between none the wiser.
All of the above occurred fairly early in our 15 hour day. Our trip back to the hotel, however, was at the end of the day through Times Square, which Chrissy regarded as a special hell on Earth. Having walked more that 30,000 steps, Chrissy’s ankles were literally bleeding, and her misery quickly became ours.
In fairness, Times Square is a bit much, even by American standards. After spending the day reviewing the classics of art, it was a bit jarring to be amidst the gawkers, wannabe influencers, and loiterers. This, combined with the loud sounds and bright, multicolored lights, provided more than enough stimulation for everyone.
Amidst this chaos, we found Hope, literally. In 2008, Robert Indian transformed his classic LOVE sculpture into a HOPE sculpture, reflecting one of President Obama’s campaign messages. As Robert Indiana fans, we paused for a selfie, and in our head tallied up how many said large scale sculptures we have seen. Chrissy, 2; Olivia 4. And on this optimistic note, we wrapped up day two of our five-day democracy tour.
Among our many stops in New York, our visit to the Morgan Library was a highlight, far exceeding my expectations. I knew it would be beautiful, but the experience left me in awe.
We began with an exhibit on Belle da Costa Greene, the library’s first director, whose story was as inspiring as the treasures she curated. Born in 1879, Greene was an African American woman who passed as white to navigate the racial barriers of her time.
Despite these challenges, she rose to prominence as a librarian and curator, eventually studying at Pratt Institute, where she trained for her remarkable career. Her contributions shaped the Morgan Library into what it is today, and the exhibit offered a glimpse into her extraordinary life and work.
The structure itself was stunning. In one room, for example, the ceiling crafted by Samuel Yellin, featuring 648 intricately detailed birds—each unique, down to the shape of their beaks.
Among the exhibit’s standout items were pieces from Belle Greene’s personal collection, including Albrecht Dürer’s Melencolia I…
…a masterpiece I’d studied in class, as well as a William Blake drawing and a signed poem by John Keats.
I was especially captivated by her desk and personal collection, which continued to show her exceptional taste!
From there, we moved into the library’s main attraction—the breathtaking library room itself. Shelves were lined with treasures, including titles such as Dante’s Inferno…
…Rousseau’s The Social Contract, and works by Voltaire.
We even saw ancient artifacts from Mesopotamia and a Gutenberg Bible!
I felt like a kid in a candy store!
As befits a wealthy collector, Morgan also owned a healthy collection of art, some of which was also on display. Thus, we were able to not only glimpse into the lives of the very wealthy, we were also able to expand our knowledge of art, by seeing works from Henri Matisse, John Singer Sargent, and William Wetmore Story, among others.
Before leaving, we quickly explored aFranz Kafka exhibit. Though our time there was brief, it was fascinating to see pieces that shed light on his complex and often enigmatic life.
As someone who has read some of his work, I wished we’d had more time to immerse ourselves in his story, especially after seeing an Andy Warhol portrait of him.
In the words of Kafka himself, “It is irresponsible to travel, even to live, without taking notes.” It was a privilege to add this visit to our travels—and to write about it!
On our first day in New York City, we decided it would be a good idea to explore the area and familiarize ourselves with the surroundings, including the subway system. It turned out to be a great decision, as we encountered many fascinating and exciting sights along the way!
As we began walking through the city, Professor Yawn noticed our proximity to the historic Prince Street. Along this notable street stands the first Richard Haas mural, which Olivia enthusiastically recognized and pointed out as we approached.
Richard Haas’s First Mural, 1974
The mural, gracing 112 Prince Street since 1974, features intricate details that have been thoughtfully added over the years. But even as an early work, it reflects Haas’s artistic and architectural sensibilities, as well as his ability to transform a space through art.
Haas, who lives in New York, once spent a summer working for Frank Lloyd Wright, before embarking on a successful career as what the New York Times referred to as an “urbanologist.”
Thanks to the work of Linda Pease, Haas brought his Urbanology to Huntsville, TX, where he has completed 15 exterior murals–the most of any city. Thus, despite being strangers in the strange land of New York City, we felt oddly at home.
Continuing our walk, Chinatown emerged as a fascinating destination; its narrow streets offered an authentic glimpse into this vibrant New York neighborhood.
To our delight, we found the New York City Hall, a magnificent French Renaissance Revival structure still bearing the inscription “New Amsterdam;” a beautiful reminder of the city’s Dutch origins.
Next on our route was Federal Hall, which was erected in the 19th century as a Customs House. Prior the construction of the present building, however, the site hosted many milestones in the formulation of the United States government. The US Congress, such as it was, met here in the 1780s, when the (semi) United States of America was governed under the Articles of Confederation, and even as the US Constitution was written to supersede the Articles, the First Congress met on this site–and the Bill of Rights was first proposed here. More relevant to our current trip, George Washington was inaugurated on the balcony of the old Federal Building–the first-ever US Presidential inauguration! Standing on this site, therefore felt particularly resonant, considering we will be witnessing the 47th presidential inauguration in DC on Monday!
Approaching the Brooklyn Bridge, we began to make the long way up; winds from the surrounding waters grew increasingly cold.
This suspension bridge, one of the oldest in the United States, goes over the East River and connects Manhattan and Brooklyn.
When we reached the top, the spectacular view, however, made the chilly walk (the wind chill was in the teens) entirely worthwhile!
A shift in the atmosphere became apparent when we visited the 9/11 Memorial. The names etched in bronze, the twin waterfall pools, and the One World Trade Center made us all feel reflective. Saturday, we will get the chance to visit the museum, something we are greatly looking forward to as it will allow us to educate ourselves more on that disastrous day.
Before heading back to prepare for our evening of theater (Hadestown and Sunset Boulevard), we stopped at Zuccotti Park to observe Mark di Suvero’s “Joie de Vivre.” The 70-foot red steel sculpture definitely stands out against the Financial District backdrop, with its modern design creating an interesting contrast with the surrounding area.
Finally, we returned to the subway, hoping our earlier experiences had made us experts. Despite our optimism, we still struggled to navigate the system (particularly myself), but successfully made our way back to the hotel to prepare for an evening of theater.
Katz’s Deli
Although our time in NYC is short, we hope to squeeze in as many quality (and affordable) restaurants (and coffee shops) as possible. Thus, amidst our rambles on New York’s sidewalks, we espied Katz’s Deli, which was rated as the “Best Deli” in the Big Apple by Zagat, while also regularly appearing in the New York Times’ various “best of” lists. It is also notable for the many films that have set scenes in the Deli, including Donnie Brasco, We Own the Night, The Sidewalks of New York, and most famously, When Harry Met Sally.
Being new to the place, we weren’t familiar with the unique ordering system of Katz’s. When you enter, you are handed a ticket, which you then take to a counter where one of approximately 15 “cutters” are stationed. The cutters, so named because they cut the meat in front of you, offer suggestions and samples, and so it was that Professor Yawn ordered Pastrami…
…and Olivia ordered a Reuben.
Chrissy, for her part, took a different approach, veering from the “I’ll have what she’s having” custom at Katz’s. To hear Chrissy tell of her upbringing–an upbringing that changes upon retelling, depending on her energy level and degree of coherence–she was fed baloney, almost exclusively, for the first six or seven years of her life.
If we followed this narrative correctly, this prompted her to order “soft salami.” Despite gentle nudges from the cutter to consider the pastrami, Ms. Biello remained obdurate, insisting on the salami. The cutter, clearly disappointed, complied, although his look of disappointment was palpable.
Just because we ordered separate foods, however, doesn’t mean we actually ate separately. Chrissy shared in both the pastrami and the Reuben, while all of us sampled all the food at our table.
While we can’t compare Katz’s to other NY Delis, we were in general agreement that we don’t get Pastrami or Corned Beef as good in Texas…and we have a full appreciation for why the New York Times called this institution–in business since 1888–the “king of New York delis.”
Hadestown on Broadway
by Olivia Discon
After spending the day exploring New York, Chrissy and I ended the night with a Broadway show—Hadestownat the Walter Kerr Theatre. Watching a production in this historic venue was an incredible experience, and Hadestown lived up to its reputation as one of Broadway’s best.
Written by Anaïs Mitchell, Hadestown is a retelling of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. The story follows Orpheus, a musician, and his journey to the Underworld to rescue his love, Eurydice, from Hades. The story covers some heavy hitting subjects while successfully executing a modern day retelling of the tragedy.
Chrissy and I both thoroughly enjoyed the set design.
The stage featured three spinning circles that worked like a treadmill, adding fluidity to the choreography and creating a sense of constant motion. This small but awesome detail elevated the performance and made every scene feel dynamic and alive.
The live jazz band, positioned on stage, was another highlight. Their presence both in song and in sound effects elevated the entire experience. It sort of reminded me of the live band that played at the first play I saw with LEAP, Chicago!
For Chrissy, Hermes (played by Malcolm Armwood) was the standout character, while I loved Persephone (played by Allison Russell). Both actors were incredibly talented and brought vastly different elements to the production. This cast can sing!
Seeing Hadestown has been a dream of mine for years, and getting to experience it with LEAP made it even more special. It’s a night I’ll cherish for a long time.
SHAIP Lunch & Learn: Insights at the Texas State University System Office
by Cinthia Villarreal
With a few days of Capitol work under our belts, the SHAIP interns attended our first lunch-and-learn at the Texas State University System (TSUS) administrative headquarters, O. Henry Hall. The building, formerly a Post Office, Federal Court House, and University of Texas System headquarters is a historical and educational marvel in and of itself, making for an excellent site to learn more about the capital of Texas.
We had the privilege of sharing lunch with Chancellor Brian McCall, Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations Sean Cunningham, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations Johanna Sheffield, Vice Chancellor for Academic & Health Affairs John Hayek, Director of External Relations Malú González, and Vice Chancellor for Marketing & Communications Mike Wintemute. Joining us were LEAP students Macey Schank, Michelle Moya, and TSUS Student Regent Olivia Discon.
Chancellor McCall explained the role TSUS has throughout the legislative process, including the vitality of state funds the system receives. Vice Chancellor Hayek also shared a few fascinating facts, noting that TSUS, established in 1911, was the first higher education system in Texas. It now serves over 95,000 students across seven institutions, including Sam Houston State University.
A highlight of the lunch was hearing from Vice Chancellor Cunningham, who reflected on his own internship experience working for then-Representative McCall, giving us valuable perspective on how these opportunities can shape careers.
After lunch, Assistant Vice Chancellor Sheffield took us to the TSUS balcony, where we enjoyed a stunning view of Austin’s lively downtown.
We are sincerely grateful to the TSUS leadership for taking the time to meet with us, share their insights, and offer their support as we begin our journey.
Learning from Leaders: Melva Gomez and Steve Munisteri
by Olivia Discon
Following our visit to the Texas State University System (TSUS), the LEAP Ambassadors had the privilege of meeting with Melva Gomez, a former LEAP Ambassador who has risen to impressive heights in her career. Melva recently transitioned from her role as Chief of Staff for Representative Caroline Harris to serving as a Legislative Liaison in Governor Greg Abbott’s office.
Congratulations to Melva on this remarkable achievement! As current LEAP Ambassadors, we found it inspiring to see the impact of Sam Houston State University alumni in such important roles within the Capitol.
Pictured: Melva Gomez and Mac Woodward, 2012
During our visit, we admired a Tom Lea painting in the Governor’s Office—a nod to Texas history—before heading to Steve Munisteri’s office.
Munisteri, who has an incredible career spanning politics, martial arts, and now serving as Senior Advisor to the Governor’s Office, shared fascinating stories and artifacts with us. He graciously showed us a bit around his office, which was lined with incredible artifacts spanning his career. We were amazed at the opportunity!
A Quick Tour of the Texas Capitol
by Macey Schank
Visiting the Capitol was the highlight of my trip, especially since it was my first time there. As soon as I stepped inside, I was struck by the building’s beauty and the meticulous attention to detail, right down to the custom door hinges. Every element of the design brings attention to the Capitol’s historic significance, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Austin.
During my tour, I had the opportunity to visit several important spaces, including the House of Representatives and the Senate chambers. It was so cool to stand in places where many important decisions have been, and continue to be, made.
Pictured: LEAP Students in the Texas House of Representatives
One neat part of the visit was discovering multiple iterations of Sam Houston, including a portrait of him hanging in the Capitol in recognition of his time as Governor of Texas. As a student at Sam Houston State University, it was especially meaningful to see these tributes to such an important figure in Texas history, which of course we had to take a selfie with!
It filled me with a sense of pride to be attending a school named after such a remarkable man.
Overall, my visit to the Capitol was an unforgettable experience. I had a great time exploring the building and learning about its history and the important work that takes place inside.
ASTI Trattoria
by Michelle Moya
To finish off our short but eventful Austin trip, we ended with a dinner at ASTI Trattoria to celebrate the SHAIP interns before their busy session ahead! The moment we stepped inside, the restaurant’s warmth and soft lighting truly cultivated the vibe of the restaurant perfectly. Notably, the kind of cozy that promises the Italian hospitality making you forget about the freezing Austin weather entirely!
We kicked off our feast with appetizers that set the tone for the night. We ordered the stuffed mushrooms and the polpetti. While mushrooms aren’t usually my thing, even I had to admire their presentation. Polpetti, being comprised of meatballs, came drenched in a rich red sauce that beautifully displayed a proper introduction to ASTI’s commitment to authentic Italian flavors!
When it came to main courses, our table truly showcased everyone’s love for pasta. Three of our group—Olivia, Cinthia, and Michelle—chose the Rigatoni Amatriciana, each plate crowned with a shower of freshly grated cheese.
Saara decided to branch out and get the Capellini Neopolitano, and Macey and Sarah synchronized their orders with the spaghetti carbonara, while Professor Yawn went for the Lasagna Rotolo, which, at first glance, I mistook for soup. I veered off the pasta path and chose the grilled rainbow trout. It came perched atop sweet potato ricotta gnocchi—which truly was great! The lemon on the side really pulled it together.
Dessert was where things got interesting. This is where we decided to venture out and ordered a little bit of everything: a Ricotta Brulee that put an Italian spin on the French classic, an Affogato, which is coffee and ice cream mixed, a classic Tiramisu, and a homemade ice cream topped with chocolate syrup. Thanks to past LEAP events I’ve attended, I’ve developed quite the palate for crème brûlée variations, but that Tiramisu? I have to give it to the Tiramisu for the night.
We capped off the evening with a photo alongside Chef Bryan Beneke, the prime mover behind our feast. As far as farewell dinners go, ASTI Trattoria proved that nothing brings people together quite like good company and great food. The SHAIP interns might be heading into a busy session, but at least they’re going with full hearts and a happy stomach!
After four educationally filled days in New Orleans, it is time to reflect on our favorites adventures in New Orleans.
Saffron was a hit amongst the group, being their highest ranked restaurant!
There was so much food variety that is no clear favorite, but the Chicken Lasooni and the Ginger Creme Brulee from Saffron would be the closest to it.
The Besthoff Sculpture Garden was the most talked about attraction in NOLA!
But Chrissy thoroughly enjoyed the World War II Museum, making it her favorite.
Now when it came to the educational sessions held by the Council of State Government Conference everyone was impressed by the Civil Discourse Strategies session.
Michelle also learned a whole lot from the session detailing U.S. Supreme Court Updates, while Chrissy and Olivia got lost in the future with the Smart States session.
But we learned from all our adventures, packing in as much as possible in a four-day trip–the LEAP way.
Creating Common Ground: Civil Discourse Strategies
by Michelle Moya
In the heart of New Orleans, we were looking forward to our second day of the CSG conference with enthusiasm and optimism. We woke ready for another day with an itinerary loaded with much exploration, walking, and cultivating visual art of the “city that never sleeps.” Fueled by coffee from Fourth Wall, we hurried off to our first session of the day!
Our second day at the CSG conference was a masterclass on civic debate and leadership. The session, “Creating Common Ground: Civil Discourse Strategies,” led by NICD Executive Director Keith Allred (who, unintentionally, made me wonder if he was related to Colin Allred), transformed what could have been a dry lecture into a riveting analysis of historical decision-making.
With his professor’s precision, he drew a sharp contrast between two watershed periods in Kennedy’s presidency: the Bay of Pigs disaster and the Cuban Missile Crisis to illustrate his points. These weren’t just history teachings; rather, they were contrasting examples of how government officials should approach their decision-making. While this may not sound so interesting on a Friday morning, that session was the greatest one!
Allred began by describing the split of effective conversation inside contemporary governments, which is mostly due to a significant unbalanced change in political parties. However, his nonpartisan approach is effective in all areas of government and in our daily lives. He briefly outlined the Bay of Pigs disaster, as well as the administrative initiatives and coordination they took to come to it. The result? A catastrophic failure that lasted mere days but left an indelible mark on American history. The culprit was not just poor planning—it was the silence of those who knew better but chose not to speak. While the majority opposed the plan, they failed to share honest views, which was taken as a “green light” for JFK to go with the plan. The lack of communication and interpersonal contentions resided in the decision-making process, which ended in disaster only 3 days after the plan went into effect.
Allred soon shifted his focus to how they should have handled the situation and why it ultimately became a disaster. He accomplished this using the Cuban Missile Crisis, where a different approach would save America from the brink of nuclear disaster. The “commonsense sweet spot,” as Allred refers to it, is built on three pillars: embracing contrasting perspectives, avoiding the stampede effect, and navigating interpersonal tensions.
Through compelling footage from “13 Days,” we witnessed the transformation from Day 1’s despair to Day 2’s advancement, led by Robert Kennedy’s courage to voice dissent. We were able to understand the audience’s viewpoints and the lessons learned from Allred’s participatory approach, which helped us make wise conclusions. My favorite portion was undoubtedly this, and it has even inspired me to put the film on my “watch next” list!
The session closed with a powerful message that resonates beyond government powers: “There is something immoral about abandoning your own judgment.” In an era of increasing polarization, these words carry special weight. People elect officials for their judgment, not their ability to follow the crowd. Like great coffee, great decisions are best made when they are bold, well thought out, and discussed with people who aren’t scared to voice their concerns.
Washington Watch: What States Can Expect from the Next Congress and Administration
by Chrissy Biello
With a new administration moving into the White House, many are predicting the future of the country. Because of this, the next session, “Washington Watch: What States Can Expect from the Next Congress and Administration,” posed a high amount of interest for us to gain insight from. The speaker, William Crozer, is the Co-Head of BGR’s Bipartisan State and Local Advocacy Practice. Moreover, from 2018-2021, Crozer served as the Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA) in the Trump-Pence Administration, highlighting he has a wealth of experience to discuss the upcoming Congress and the new administration.
Crozer began by speaking on his past role in the White House Office of IGA, noting that during the pandemic, he “ran the local Covid calls from the White House,” making it likely that he spoke with individuals in the room. However, they are probably unaware of this since there was not much face-to-face contact. This being the case, he was coined the “emailer in chief,” sending various information to the state, local, and tribal officials.
Pivoting to the upcoming administration, Crozer spotlighted what he believes to be the “day one priorities” for President-elect Donald Trump. He maintained that it boils down to key issues: trade, taxes, the economy, and immigration. Further, that SNAP Pilot Programs will be a significant focus.
When the moderator asked about the executive orders Biden passed, Crozer stated that “everything will be on the chopping block; Biden repealed Trump’s executive orders.” He then hypothesized that the most likely roll backs will be those that are high spending, such as the CHIPS Act; thus, President Biden is dispersing as many awards as possible.
Speaking on partisanship, he stated that the “red states are getting redder, and the blue states are getting bluer,” remarking that some state governor’s will attempt to challenge Trump on executive orders. He gave the example of Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, which many were not surprised to hear. Nonetheless, he emphasized that the legislatures in the room should engage with the Trump Administration, no matter what side of the party line they are on.
Transitioning to a humorous anecdote from his time in the White House, he described that when sending invitations to municipal mayors to travel to DC, many thought it was a “Russian Hoax.” The room filled with smirks and chuckles; however, Crozer quickly commented how this displays the lack of outreach to state and local officials. To end on a light note, he closed the conversation by asserting that if someone in the room receives something from the White House, it is likely not spam. But, he ensured to clarify that the White House will never ask for a person’s Social Security Number!
Lunch Break at Cafe Reconcile
by Michelle Moya
After two great sessions, we headed to try another great taste! In New Orleans’ Central City neighborhood, we were successfully able to go to Café Reconcile. As requested by Professor Yawn, we did some research into the café and its history. To our surprise, this place was not just serving up amazing food—it was serving up hope and opportunities for young adults in NOLA.
While the food was absolutely amazing, what actually distinguishes Café Reconcile is that it is a non-profit that uses its program to alter the lives of young people. Upon being seated, we saw that the restaurant featured various frames showcasing these students’ lives, including their personal aspirations and triumphs, which was quite encouraging. When you eat here, you’re supporting a program that helps young adults ages 16-24 kick-start their careers in various industries. We collectively agreed that we need something like this in Huntsville. Imagine having a restaurant that not only serves amazing food but also gives young people in our community real career opportunities and life skills. This little touch of history enhanced the overall experience and made it more delightful!
Now, moving on to the food, I kept with my borderline seafood fixation and ordered their catfish plate with veggies. To my surprise, the veggies stole the shine on my plate (never thought I’d say that). The catfish was great too! It came with an incredibly colorful side salad that popped with personality thanks to these vibrant radishes that made the whole plate “Instagram-worthy.”
LEAP Ambassadors Olivia and Chrissy shared this plate of jerk chicken that resembled a Thanksgiving turkey—or as Professor Yawn joked, perfect for “eating for two.” They ordered potato salad and the mac and cheese, which they mentioned, had them fighting over the last bites. Speaking of Professor Yawn, he went classic with red beans and rice, while Stephanie tackled a traditional New Orleans po’boy and this sweet potato crumb that she would not stop raving about and sharing—bless her.
For the grand dessert? A banana bread pudding that had everyone at the table seemed to enjoy (except me) team no bananas here.
Next time you’re in NOLA, skip the tourist traps and head to Café Reconcile. The food and service was amazing, the portions are generous, and best of all? Your money goes toward helping young people build better futures. This was a great experience and gave me a grasp of the great food New Orleans had to offer!
Cybersecurity in Focus: Assessing and Mitigating Risks of Cyberattacks Against State Governments and Critical Infrastructure
by Olivia Discon
Our last session for the day, and ultimately, for our time at the conference, was Cybersecurity in Focus: Assessing and Mitigating Risks of Cyberattacks Against State Governments and Critical Infrastructure.
We were fortunate to hear from three panelists; Brad Manuel, Jing de Jong-Chen, and Dr. Mike Garcia, each providing an individual presentation from their respective backgrounds on prioritizing cyber resiliency.
Brad Manuel, Region IV’s Cybersecurity State Coordinator for the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) took the podium first to discuss cyber infrastructure and “Best Practices”.
Having formerly worked as a Chief Information Officer for a state agency and contributed several statues to state legislatures on cybersecurity, he is a huge proponent of everyone in organizations holding stake in risk management and cyber hygiene practices.
Jing de Jong-Chen, current Senior Associate at CSIS and former executive at the External and Legal Affairs Division at Microsoft Co., focused on Supply Chain and Policy Alignment. She emphasized the importance of executive orders and strategic partnerships with federal agencies to enhance cybersecurity frameworks. Jing also highlighted the need for investment in IT modernization and fostering a resilient ecosystem through public-private partnerships. Her approach centered on integrating security into every layer of the supply chain, prioritizing cultural awareness, and creating holistic assessments to identify vulnerabilities. She also discussed the critical role of real-time monitoring and compliance attestations in maintaining system integrity.
Dr. Mike Garcia, Senior Elections and Security Person, Center for Internet Security, closed the panel with an in-depth look at the global impact of cybersecurity risks, focusing on international cooperation and domestic investment. He stressed the importance of adapting to rapidly evolving threats by fostering relationships in the field and engaging with vendors to align their goals with long-term resilience strategies. Dr. Garcia also addressed lessons learned from incidents like SolarWinds, emphasizing the value of competition and diversification in creating robust defense mechanisms.
As state governments increasingly rely on digital infrastructure, the discussions reinforced the urgent need to integrate proactive security measures to mitigate cyber security risks.
The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden
by Olivia Discon
My favorite aspect of the LEAP experience is the opportunity to improve our cultural literacy. One way this is achieved is through reinforced exposure to key artists in various places across the country. New Orleans’ city-owned park was a perfect iteration of the LEAP experience, as it is home to the Besthoff Sculpture Garden.
There were some heavy hitters immediately upon entry. Roy Lichtenstein was featured at the front of the museum.
In addition to that we saw a Louise Bourgeois’ Spider…
…alongside works by, Robert Indiana, Jaume Plensa, and Claus Oldenburg.
As we continued exploring, we encountered works by Henry Moore and, to our delight, an Isamu Noguchi piece. The collection also included unexpected surprises such as Renoir and Rodin—names often associated with painting or smaller sculptures, but here showcased in a new context. Jesus Moroles, SHSU alumni and LEAP favorite artist, is also featured in this collection.
One artist I didn’t recognize but thoroughly enjoyed was Do-Ho Suh. His sculpture, a stack of figures resembling a spinal cord, was visually striking to me.
Michelle and Chrissy were drawn to two particular sculptures. One, Leandro Erlich’s Too Late for Help, featured an interesting hidden ladder to a gateway.
They were especially caught up in the physics of how such a sculpture could exist. The other, Rona Pondick’s Monkeys, had a strange, morphing form that they initially thought depicted humans or dogs—until Stephanie pointed out we were mistaken.
We also saw kinetic sculptures by George Rickey, whose moving parts added a dynamic element to the collection, and a work by Deborah Butterfield…
…and George Segal. Of course, no trip to New Orleans would be complete without encountering a Blue Dog piece by George Rodrigue.
On our way out, there was one final surprise—a sculpture by René Magritte (one of my favorite artists). Although the work differed from his typical surrealist paintings, it was an unexpected and satisfying way to end the visit.
The beautiful Spanish Moss was the excellent backdrop for these amazing works.
Oceana Grill
by Chrissy Biello
After exploring the French Quarter, we headed to Oceana Grill, a popular restaurant favored by both tourists and locals! Known for its contemporary Louisiana dishes, the restaurant offered a new set of choices to those of us that have not had much experience with New Orleans cuisine.
Alligator Bites was the relatively new item for the table, a food I had tried before and reassured Olivia tasted much like chicken. To her surprise, she did not hate it; however, I would definitely say she would not order it again if given the opportunity.
When it came time to order our main courses, Olivia shocked the table by ordering Cajun Jambalaya Pasta, which contains shrimp! For those that do not know Olivia, the pasta part is not unexpected, but the shrimp part is. She noted that the “dish was very flavorful, and it drowned out the shrimp.” Needless to say, she left the restaurant still not a fan of shrimp.
Michelle also dabbled in a little bit of experimentation. Her meal, the Blackened Chicken Platter, was served with Jambalaya, a dish she had never heard of. However, I ended up being the boring one of the group by ordering something I have had several times in the past, Crawfish Etouffee.
When making our choices for dessert, we were experiencing a shared sweet tooth and decided to order three! The desserts included La Boheme Crème Brûlée, New Orleans Bread Pudding, and the Chocolate Kahlua Mousse. After finishing off all of them, we had a slow but satisfied walk back to our hotel for the night.
Council of State Governments National Conference- Day One!
by Michelle Moya
After what felt like the longest drive on Wednesday night, we woke bright and early to start an insightful couple of days at the CSG National Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. For Olivia and me, stepping into this culturally rich state for the first time promised fresh perspectives and a new experience!
Starting off day one, we began with an engaging session with Waldo Jaquith from U.S. Digital Response, addressing one of state governments’ most pressing challenges: successful software system implementation.
His presentation structure was particularly compelling, starting with a “what not to do” story from Rhode Island (spoiler alert: it didn’t go well), followed by data statistics, and then shifting focus to actionable strategies that government officials could implement in their own jurisdictions to avoid outcomes like these.
The real takeaway? When he broke down why we need to ditch the most used Waterfall method for the Agile software integration method. We were all struck by the wealth of knowledge shared, and it ended up being Chrissy and Olivia’s favorite session of the day!
After a debriefing discussion among us all, we hurried into our next session. Next up was the issue everyone is currently buzzing about—AI in government. We had a diverse panel with three totally different perspectives: a Professor Neil Kleiman (bringing academic wisdom)…
…Michael Mattmiller, an Microsoft US Government Affairs Industry Team Lead…
…and Amy Hille Glasscock, with the National Association of State Chief Information Officers!
This session was particularly different and interesting because they weren’t feeding us that “AI is taking over” narrative. Instead, it was all about how AI can make government officials better at what they do. Coming to the end of the session, one key takeaway was the emphasis on AI improving people’s efficiency rather than replacing them. Its effectiveness is based on how well its intelligence complements our own. After insightful perspectives from the speakers, we were even able to snag a picture afterwards!
A Quick Lunch Break at Elizabeth’s
by Chrissy Biello
Following the morning conference sessions, we headed to Elizabeth’s Restaurant, an authentic New Orleans eatery. Upon arriving, Olivia noticed that many colorful signs on the walls displayed the phrase, “Be Nice or Leave!,” a popular adage in New Orleans. Stephanie explained to the group that this saying was created and illustrated by the local artist, Dr. Bob. The vibrancy of the restaurant and the matching neighborhood allowed for us to get a glimpse of New Orleans outside of the French Quarter.
When it came time to order appetizers, we got a great balance of foods that highlighted the diversity of New Orleans flavors. The options included praline bacon, Korean brussel sprouts, and fried boudin balls.
Every one of them was great; however, we all have our favorites. I especially enjoyed the praline bacon…
…and Korean brussels sprouts, as did Olivia!
After filling up on appetizers, we went on to our main courses. Olivia and I shared the chicken and sausage gumbo (which was Olivia’s first).
As Elizabeth’s is famous for their breakfast food, Michelle got the veggie scramble…
…and Professor Yawn and Stephanie had “Crabby Eggs,” including crab cakes, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce.
For their side, they had the grits, which sparked a conservation about the famous movie, My Cousin Vinny.
And, of course, we ensured to get an order of the beignet biscuits! Served with a side of maple syrup, this dessert was filled with much nostalgia as I had it years prior on a past trip to New Orleans. Leaving Elizabeth’s, we headed back to the conference for another session!
U.S. Supreme Court Update: Implications for State Policymakers
by Michelle Moya
As a finisher, and after a fulfilling meal at Elizabeth’s, we attended our last session. This one being one I was particularly excited for, rightfully so, as it proved to be my personal favorite. Thankfully, we got there early, which allowed us to engage in meaningful dialogue with the speaker, Michael Lawlor, about our personal ambitions and the LEAP program!
Highlighting the session, it spanned various contemporary issues, from gun rights to freedom of speech and social media regulations. He spoke on cases the Supreme Court is currently deciding on and ones from last term.
We were surprised to see that many of the cases going before the Supreme Court pertained to social media practices. This goes to show the impact modern technology has had everywhere, even on government decisions! We all showed major interest in two cases dominantly, Lindke v. Freed from the 2023 term and Smith and Wesson Brands v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos.
Ogden Museum of Art
by Olivia Discon
To continue our educational pursuits in New Orleans, we ventured on to Ogden Museum of Southern Art. The museum prides itself on providing a large, comprehensive collection of Southern art, which served as the perfect place for us to learn more about the city’s cultural offerings.
Before entering the museum, we were greeted with a massive James Surls sculpture! The cast bronze and stainless steel sculpture, known as Me, Knife, Diamond and Flower, was an incredible iteration of his distinguishable style.
LEAP Students with a James Surl’s art piece at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art
Having seen his work several times now, I am quite a fan! Surls continues to be a LEAP favorite, as a distinguished Sam Houston State University alumni and excellent Texas artist.
There was a wide variety of contemporary art exhibits. Admittedly, some of them perplexed me. The first gallery we entered featured a multimedia installation called stream or river, flight or pattern by Joan Jonas. With bird-like kites fixed to the ceiling, paintings, and a few films playing consecutively throughout the room, the group was determined to decipher its meaning.
After some perusing and ultimately admitting defeat, we read that the comprehensive work is meant to reflect our interactions with nature.
Naturally, we moved on to the next gallery.
A newfound artist we enjoyed was Benny Andrews, although the pieces we respectively enjoyed differed. Andrews had various styles and mediums in this gallery, which made for an interesting sample of his work. Chrissy liked a piece called Destiny, Destruction, and Despair…
…Professor Yawn enjoyed a 1994 Baptism Study…
…and I personally liked Keep Your Eyes on the Acrobats.
In the meantime, Michelle had made some headway through the galleries, proceeding to find what would become her favorite piece in the museum: Uptown Street by Lulu King Saxon. Michelle, who is relatively new to the art scene, learned that she takes to nature scenes–and large scenes at that!
Chrissy, on the other hand, prefers Impressionist paintings. Her favorite appeared to be Joseph Meeker’s Bayou Plaquemines; a pink-casted sunset falling over a swampy landscape.
My personal favorite, oddly enough, was a George Rodrigue painting that was not a Blue Dog variant. Instead, it was a painting called The Aioli Dinner, known as his “Cajun masterpiece”.
We then went on to Baldwin Lee’s photography exhibit, which was especially enjoyable. Lee, in the 1980’s, set off on an artistic journey to retrace the photos taken by his mentor, Walker Evans, in the 1940’s American South. Placing a focus on Black Americans as his subject matter, the photos and their strategic composition invoke the viewer to contemplate themes of poverty and hardship. We were fascinated by his experience on this expedition and impressed with his results. Many of his subjects, such as Untitled, 1983-1989, were complete strangers he approached along his journey.
Some of our favorites were Mobile, Alabama…
…New Orleans, Louisiana…
…and Waterproof, LA.
“Looking is a two-way street. Not only is the photographer looking, but the potential subject is looking too. What the subject sees carries great weight. For some reason, people would see me positively. I am not sure if it was my race, gender, physicality, dress, demeanor, or anything else. If in a day I asked twenty people permission to make photographs, nineteen would say yes.”
In all, we saw and enjoyed several new artists on this endeavor. The visit to the museum was a pleasant way to indulge in Southern contemporary art…
…and to broaden our cultural literacy.
Saffron
by Chrissy Biello
In true LEAP fashion, we opted for a dinner that would allow us to gain new experiences. Saffron, an Indian restaurant and two-time nominee for the James Beard award, proved to give us that opportunity. The chef, Arvinder Vilkhu, and his wife, Pardeep Vilkhu, opened the restaurant with the purpose of combining their Indian heritage with the New Orleans culture. As we began to peruse the menu, that was extremely evident; options included, Curried Seafood Gumbo and oysters!
For appetizers, we ordered the pickle sampler…
…Chicken Lasooni, and the garlic and chili-cheese naan.
Olivia favored the naan bread, while the Chicken Lasooni was Michelle’s main pick. As for myself, the pickler sample was my favorite; the dish included an eggplant spread, something I had never tasted before, but will confidently try again.
For our main course, Olivia and I shared the Chicken Biriyani. This dish was incredibly flavorful, containing saffron rice, crispy onions, a soft-boiled egg, and yogurt on the side!
Michelle savored the Curried Seafood Gumbo, and Professor Yawn and Stephanie relished the Oyster Bed Roast!
With already full stomachs, it was a surprise that we were tempted by the dessert. To our delight, Chef Vilkhu himself served our table! This included a cake called, “It’s Not Even Your Birthday,” surely named for the multiple layers of chocolate ganache and buttercream that would make anyone believe they were partaking in a treat for a special occasion.
Further, we had the Ginger Crème Brûlée, a definite favorite among the table.
As we had the opportunity to thank Chef Vilkhu for the amazing meal, we were very honored to take a photo with him!
In all, Saffron was a great way to end the first day of our New Orleans trip, allowing us to anticipate the next days of new experiences to come!
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 