The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) recently convened an engaging and far-reaching virtual dialogue, bringing together national leaders to discuss public service, education, and the future of an inclusive American society. On October 15, 2026, HACU hosted a virtual fireside chat featuring Ambassador Ken Salazar, a distinguished diplomat, former cabinet secretary, and author of the acclaimed book Borderlands: My Fight for an Inclusive America.
The special event drew educators, administrators, students, and community leaders from across the country. HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores joined Ambassador Salazar for the discussion, which offered deep insights into Salazar’s extraordinary personal journey and his vision for the nation. The conversation was expertly moderated by Abel A. Chávez, President of Our Lady of the Lake University, who guided the dialogue through critical themes impacting higher education, civic leadership, and international relations.
From the San Luis Valley to the Global Stage
The discussion naturally gravitated toward Ambassador Salazar’s remarkable life story, which serves as the foundation of his memoir, Borderlands. Growing up on his family’s traditional ranch in the remote San Luis Valley of Colorado, Salazar experienced a upbringing rooted in hard work, community resilience, and a deep connection to the land. As the first member of his family to attend college, he navigated uncharted territory to pursue higher education, a milestone that ultimately laid the groundwork for a lifetime of public service.
Salazar’s career stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and dedication. Over decades of public life, he has broken barriers and served in some of the highest offices in state and federal government. His extensive resume includes serving as the attorney general of Colorado, representing the state as a United States Senator, leading the Department of the Interior as U.S. Secretary of the Interior, and most recently representing the United States as Ambassador to Mexico.
Throughout the fireside chat, Salazar reflected on these formative experiences, drawing a direct line between his early days in rural Colorado and his high-stakes diplomatic missions. In Borderlands, he reflects extensively on these chapters of his life, utilizing his personal narrative to make a compelling case for a stronger, more inclusive America—one that honors its diverse heritage and builds bridges rather than walls.
The Vital Role of Higher Education and Hispanic-Serving Institutions
A central focus of the virtual event was the profound influence of family and education on public service, as well as the indispensable role that colleges and universities play in cultivating the next generation of leaders. President Flores and Ambassador Salazar explored how academic institutions can actively empower students from diverse backgrounds to step into leadership roles within their communities, state governments, and the federal arena.
The conversation placed special emphasis on Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and their unique position within the American educational landscape. As institutions that enroll high concentrations of Hispanic and underrepresented students, HSIs are uniquely equipped to foster leadership, social mobility, and civic engagement. The panelists discussed actionable strategies for how these colleges and universities can prepare students not only for professional success but for meaningful civic participation in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
Bridging Divides and Strengthening U.S.-Mexico Relations
Beyond domestic leadership and educational equity, the fireside chat broadened its scope to address critical geopolitical and cultural issues. Ambassador Salazar brought his unique perspective as a former Secretary of the Interior and U.S. Ambassador to Mexico to bear on conversations concerning international diplomacy and cross-border cooperation.
The dialogue tackled the challenges of bridging political and cultural divides both within the United States and across international borders. Salazar and the university leaders examined strategies for strengthening bilateral relations between the United States and Mexico, emphasizing that mutual prosperity depends heavily on diplomatic trust, cultural understanding, and shared economic goals. Furthermore, the discussion highlighted the immense potential for expanding opportunities for cross-border collaboration in areas such as higher education, academic research, and workforce development. By aligning educational programs and research initiatives across borders, institutions can help drive regional innovation and prepare a globally minded workforce.
Expanding Access Through the "One Book, More Voices" Initiative
Toward the conclusion of the event, Ambassador Salazar introduced a significant opportunity for academic institutions looking to incorporate the themes of Borderlands into their campus communities. He shared details regarding One Book, More Voices, a newly launched effort established through the Borderlands New North American Alliance Fund.
This initiative is designed to help colleges, universities, and high schools bring the vital themes of inclusion, history, and public service directly to their students. Through the program, participating institutions can access matching copies of Borderlands to integrate into classrooms, campus libraries, and specialized student leadership programs. By making the book more accessible to students, the initiative aims to spark meaningful campus-wide conversations about identity, equity, and the ongoing journey toward a more inclusive American society.
The virtual fireside chat concluded with closing remarks from HACU leadership, leaving attendees with a renewed sense of purpose regarding the transformative power of education, the importance of civic engagement, and the enduring strength found in America’s diverse communities.
