Valenti school students engage in Texas Tribune Festival seminars
Four students from the Valenti School of Communication recently attended the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin, gaining first hand insights into some of today’s most pressing political, educational and journalistic issues.
Journalism seniors Cindy Rivas Alfaro and Daniela Taboada Palau, along with juniors Parker Hodges Beggs and Regan Grant, participated in a series of discussions with national and state leaders.
Journalism’s future in a changing media landscape
The festival hosted “The News About the News Business,” where students listened to leaders like Chief Executive Officer of the American Journalism Project Sarabeth Berman and Former Executive Editor of the Los Angeles Times Kevin Merida.
These speakers stressed the importance of strengthening local journalism, a critical issue in today’s digital age.
"Local journalism is essential to the health and well-being of every community," said Former President of the USA Today Network Maribel Perez Wadsworth.
The panel explored the shifting business models for news organizations, the rise of nonprofit news and the struggle for sustainability in an era where social media has overshadowed traditional outlets.
Managing Editor at The Washington Post, Krissah Thompson emphasized that every news organization needs a guiding vision to adapt to evolving challenges.
Keynote speech by Governor Gretchen Whitmer
One of the most impactful moments of the festival was the keynote speech by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who shared personal stories and political insights.
Her love for engaging with people in public spaces was evident, but she admitted that her heightened awareness of potential threats.
"Something that's really sad to me, because I love showing up, going places where it’s unexpected, and engaging with people. Now, I think about it a lot, whether or not that’s something smart to do,” Whitmer said.
Reflecting on the long-term impact of her work, Whitmer shared a victorious moment:
"These fights are worth having. They take longer than they should, but we showed that we’re on the right side of the issue," Whitmer said.
Whitmer also reflected on the unique challenges of being a woman in leadership, pointing out how female governors often face scrutiny that their male counterparts don’t.
"I’m always thinking about showing up as I am so that the people who come behind me never have to think about it. That’s my goal as a female leader," Whitmer said.
Education under scrutiny
One of the key seminars attended by the group was "A Report Card," featuring Former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Former U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings and President of the U.S. Program at the Melinda Gates Foundation Allan Golston.
The speakers emphasized the need to expand federal schooling laws and highlighted the ongoing debate over church versus state in education.
These discussions underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in shaping educational policies, a theme echoed by other speakers throughout the festival.
In another session, "What Superintendents Think," LaTonya Goffney of Aldine ISD discussed the challenges of rebounding from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Goffney emphasized the critical role of quality teachers, mental health support and the need for adequate funding.
"School is where the magic happens," Goffney said, noting the lasting impact of the pandemic on students and teachers.
Climate, voting and social Issues
Students also attended sessions on climate and local governance, including "The Weather Report" and "Judgmental," which featured Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and other Texas leaders.
Discussions ranged from the economic cost of disasters in Houston to the difficulties of navigating Texas’ voting laws.
The Valenti students came away with a deeper understanding of not only the complexities of these issues but also the role of journalism in addressing them.
From education reform to the future of news, the Texas Tribune Festival gave them a rare opportunity to hear directly from policymakers and thought leaders.
For these Valenti students, the festival was more than just a learning experience — it was a chance to engage in critical conversations that will shape their future as journalists and communicators.