By Michelle Moya
It was a rare lunch event for us with the World Affairs Council. With the LEAP Ambassadors all working part-time jobs and enrolled full-time in classes, getting away for a day-time event isn’t easy. But when students have the chance to meet Mike Pompeo–the 70th U.S. Secretary of State, former CIA Director, and four-term Congressman from Kansas–and Ambassador David Satterfield, we make accommodations.
The event format included a full hour dedicated to networking before the program began–a structure that exemplifies why World Affairs Council events are so valuable for professional development. During this time, we had the opportunity to meet several professionals, including Attorney Wendall Corrigan Braniff, whose advice and civic encouragement added a great deal to our afternoon.
Alongside a delicious meal…
…the luncheon featured a discussion that moved seamlessly between grand strategy and practical governance. Secretary Pompeo, drawing on his experience as CIA Director and top diplomat, offered insights into the challenges facing American leadership in an increasingly complex world.
Following an introduction by World Affairs Council CEO Maryanne Maldonado…
…Ambassador David Satterfield…
…moderated the discussion with Secretary Pompeo, who emphasized that global conflicts stem from (1) a failure of American leadership, (2) the influence of powerful and negative international actors (chief among the Chinese Communist Party), and the ineffectiveness of international institutions. He is, however, a firm believer in the United States’ role internationally.
The conversation touched on several key international relationships. Secretary Pompeo stressed that achieving national objectives requires partnerships worldwide, acknowledging that not all allies share the same governance systems and how some relationships are built on shared interests rather than shared values. He noted that recent events have done more to energize NATO and European defense spending than decades of diplomatic pressure.
One particularly interesting topic concerned Houston directly: Secretary Pompeo discussed closing the Chinese consulate in Houston, revealing it had been conducting what he described as the largest spy operation ever directed against the United States. He characterized the U.S.-China relationship as a decades-long economic competition rather than an immediate military threat, noting that this competition extends far beyond government–affecting businesses, universities, and local institutions across America.
The afternoon took a more local turn when Secretary Pompeo shifted from international affairs to civic engagement. His most passionate remarks focused on participation in community institutions–school boards, city councils, HOAs, and PTAs.
He posed some direct questions to the room: How many people had attended a PTA meeting in the last decade? When was the last time anyone went to a city council meeting just to observe?
To illustrate his point, he shared a humorous story about serving on his HOA board–becoming deeply invested in a dispute over shake shingles, only to admit he’d forgotten which side he supported decades later. His point resonated: while thousands rally for various causes, local meetings where decisions directly affect communities often struggle to draw audiences. He argued that America’s real strength comes from people willing to do the unglamorous work of local governance.
Pompeo also spoke candidly about education, particularly the state of K–12 public schools. He expressed concern over declining test scores and connected educational strength directly to America’s long-term national success. Without a strong foundation in civics, history, and critical thinking, he argued, other national achievements lose their significance. His recommendation was straightforward: get involved with local school boards, support strong candidates, or run yourself.
Most interestingly, he emphasized the importance of maintaining trust in America’s institutions–the FBI, federal courts, and the judicial system. He noted that these institutions are what set America apart globally, and they must remain above political manipulation to maintain their effectiveness and public trust.
Secretary Pompeo’s message was one of practical optimism. Despite challenges, he expressed confidence in America’s direction–but emphasized that success depends on active citizenship rather than who occupies any particular office. Foreign policy matters, he argued, but so does showing up to your local school board meeting. Both require the same fundamental commitment to civic duty.
The luncheon was a meaningful reminder of how interconnected global leadership and local involvement truly are. From honoring public service at the Houston Police Memorial to hearing Secretary Pompeo reflect on America’s role in the world, the afternoon offered both perspective and valuable networking opportunities.
As always, we’re grateful to the World Affairs Council of Houston for providing opportunities that expand our understanding of international affairs, and we are grateful for Ms. Braniff for her hospitality, her tips, and for sharing her knowledge with us!
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 