The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) recently hosted a high-profile virtual fireside chat featuring Ambassador Ken Salazar, offering educators, students, and leaders an in-depth look at his newly published book, Borderlands: My Fight for an Inclusive America. The live digital event, held on October 15, 2026, brought together prominent figures in higher education and public service to discuss the intersections of identity, education, and civic leadership in the United States.

HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores joined Ambassador Salazar for the compelling discussion. The session was skillfully moderated by Abel A. Chávez, President of Our Lady of the Lake University, who guided the conversation through key themes central to the memoir, including the evolution of American democracy, the importance of representation, and the vital role that educational institutions play in shaping the nation’s future workforce and leadership pipeline.

Ambassador Salazar’s life story forms the backbone of Borderlands. Growing up on his family’s ranch in the remote San Luis Valley of Colorado, Salazar was the first member of his family to attend college—a milestone that set the stage for an extraordinary career in public service. Over the decades, Salazar broke numerous barriers, ultimately serving as Colorado’s attorney general, a United States senator, the U.S. secretary of the interior, and most recently, as the United States ambassador to Mexico. In his memoir, Salazar reflects upon these decades of high-stakes public service, using his personal trajectory to make a passionate and reasoned case for a stronger, more inclusive America that honors its diverse heritage.

During the virtual fireside chat, the dialogue quickly expanded beyond personal reflection to address systemic issues affecting higher education and international diplomacy. The conversation explored the profound influence of family roots and educational access on a life dedicated to public service. President Flores and Ambassador Salazar examined how colleges and universities—particularly Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs)—can actively cultivate and develop the next generation of civic and professional leaders. They discussed how these campuses are uniquely positioned to equip students with the skills, resilience, and global perspective needed to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.

A significant portion of the virtual event was dedicated to examining contemporary geopolitical and social dynamics. The participants delved into strategies for bridging widening political and cultural divides within the United States, emphasizing that mutual understanding and civic engagement are essential for democratic stability. Furthermore, drawing on Salazar’s extensive diplomatic experience, the conversation touched upon the complexities of strengthening bilateral relations between the United States and Mexico. They highlighted the immense potential for expanding cross-border collaboration in areas such as higher education, scientific research, and workforce development, noting that regional prosperity relies heavily on binational cooperation and shared academic initiatives.

Towards the conclusion of the fireside chat, Ambassador Salazar introduced an innovative initiative designed to bring the themes of his book directly into academic classrooms. He shared details regarding One Book, More Voices, a newly established effort operating under the Borderlands New North American Alliance Fund. This initiative aims to provide matching copies of Borderlands to educational institutions, enabling colleges, universities, and student programs to integrate the text into their curricula. By facilitating broader access to the book, the program encourages students to engage critically with the narrative of inclusion, equity, and civic responsibility that defines Salazar’s public life.

The event underscored HACU’s ongoing commitment to fostering meaningful dialogues that elevate Hispanic leadership and educational excellence. Through engagements like the virtual fireside chat with Ambassador Salazar, HACU continues to provide platforms where national leaders and academic stakeholders can address the critical issues shaping the future of higher education and the broader American landscape.