The next UWC-USA Distinguished Alumni Speaker Series event will feature UWC-USA’s president, Victoria J. Mora, moderating a conversation between Doug Turner ‘87 and Xochitl Torres Small ‘03 UWC-Waterford. Coming from different political backgrounds, Doug ran as a Republican for governor of New Mexico and Xochitl served as a Democratic member of the U.S. Congress representing New Mexico’s 2nd District, the two will explore some of the causes of polarization in our current discourse along with ways that the UWC mission calls on all of us to come together as we work toward the common good.
Doug was a member of one of the earliest graduating classes from UWC-USA and has been an active member of the alumni community. He serves as the founder of Agenda, an international advocacy and public affairs firm that consults with political candidates, NATO, USAID, and Fortune 500 companies among other clients.
Xochitl was one of the first U.S. Davis scholars to attend a UWC with the support of Shelby M.C. Davis. After her term in the U.S. Congress, Xochitl was named Undersecretary for Rural Development in the U.S. Department of Agriculture where she will oversee a wide range of programs.
Both Doug and Xochitl have experienced the ways that disagreement can be a challenge – and ultimately a catalyst for growth – in their respective years attending UWCs. They have formed strong relationships with those who have starkly differing viewpoints and, with Victoria as moderator, plan to model a respectful discussion that may be peppered with a little spice as is natural for two people who call New Mexico home.
Scheduled for November 29 at 7:00 pm Mountain Time, this session is open to UWC alumni and members of the UWC community. Please contact Reed Baumgarten ‘89 (alumni@uwc-usa.org) for registration details.