The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) has announced that it will host an exclusive virtual fireside chat featuring Ambassador Ken Salazar, author of the acclaimed book Borderlands: My Fight for an Inclusive America. The virtual event is scheduled to take place on October 15, 2026, at 2 p.m. CT, bringing together prominent academic leaders and public servants to discuss the intersections of education, heritage, and civic leadership.
HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores will join Ambassador Salazar for the live discussion. The conversation will be moderated by Abel A. Chávez, President of Our Lady of the Lake University. The webinar aims to draw on Salazar’s extensive career in public service, his roots in the American Southwest, and the central themes of his recently published memoir to engage educators, students, and institutional leaders across the nation.
A Journey from the San Luis Valley to International Diplomacy
Salazar’s personal and professional trajectory serves as a compelling backdrop for the upcoming discussion. He grew up on his family’s ranch nestled in Colorado’s picturesque San Luis Valley, an upbringing that deeply shaped his worldview, work ethic, and connection to the land. Notably, Salazar achieved a historic milestone within his family as the first generation to attend college.
That foundational education propelled him into a distinguished career in public service at both the state and federal levels. Over the decades, Salazar has held some of the most influential positions in American governance. He served as Colorado’s attorney general, representing the legal interests of his home state before winning election to the United States Senate. Following his tenure in Congress, he was appointed as the U.S. Secretary of the Interior under the Obama administration, overseeing vast federal lands, natural resources, and indigenous affairs. Most recently, Salazar brought his extensive diplomatic and legal acumen to the international stage by serving as the United States Ambassador to Mexico.
In Borderlands: My Fight for an Inclusive America, Salazar reflects upon these decades of high-stakes experience. The book weaves personal memoir with broader political commentary, making a passionate and reasoned case for a stronger, more inclusive United States that recognizes the vital contributions of all its communities, particularly Hispanic populations whose histories are deeply intertwined with the American fabric.
Exploring Higher Education, Leadership, and Cross-Border Relations
The fireside chat will delve deeply into several major themes addressed in Salazar’s memoir. Organizers note that the conversation will explore the profound influence of family, heritage, and higher education on public service. In an era marked by shifting demographics and evolving societal challenges, the discussion will highlight the crucial role that higher education institutions play in actively developing the next generation of leaders.
Particular attention will be given to Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and how these colleges and universities can effectively prepare their student bodies for leadership roles in government, civil society, the private sector, and academia. As demographic shifts transform the American landscape, HSIs stand at the forefront of providing educational access and equity to diverse student populations.
Furthermore, the dialogue will address broader geopolitical and cultural questions. Salazar, Flores, and Chávez are expected to discuss practical strategies for bridging persistent political and cultural divides within the United States. Given Salazar’s extensive diplomatic background, the conversation will also touch upon the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between the United States and Mexico, as well as expanding opportunities for meaningful cross-border collaboration in areas such as education, academic research, and workforce development.
Bringing Borderlands to Classrooms and Campuses
During the webinar, Ambassador Salazar will introduce an initiative designed to integrate his book into academic curricula. He will share details about "One Book, More Voices," a new outreach effort established under the Borderlands New North American Alliance Fund. This program is structured to provide matching copies of Borderlands for classrooms, university libraries, and student-focused engagement programs, enabling educational institutions to foster campus-wide conversations centered on the themes of the book.
The initiative aims to provide students with direct access to literature that mirrors their lived experiences while offering insights into the mechanics of American democracy, policy-making, and international diplomacy. By encouraging widespread classroom adoption, the initiative hopes to stimulate critical thinking regarding civic participation, civil rights, and cultural identity among undergraduate and graduate students alike.
Registration and Target Audience
The virtual event is open to representatives from HACU-member institutions, as well as institutional partners and allies. Organizers are extending a special invitation to college and university presidents, deans, faculty members, and researchers.
Individuals teaching and working in academic disciplines such as political science, history, Chicano and Latino studies, Southwest studies, international relations, and public policy are strongly encouraged to attend. Furthermore, faculty members are invited to share registration details with their students to ensure that emerging scholars can benefit from the insights shared by Ambassador Salazar and the panel of academic leaders.
Interested participants can secure their attendance by registering online through the official HACU webinar portal.
