Participating in the Tuesday Times Roundtable (TTR) sessions at FIU was a captivating and thought-provoking experience, particularly the discussions on "Bones, Ancestors, and Development in Miami: Indigenous Perspectives on Excavation and Preservation" and "Safeguarding Democracies and Rebuilding Institutional Trust: A Closer Look at Latin America." These sessions not only expanded my understanding of complex global issues but also underscored the importance of considering diverse perspectives in addressing these challenges.

The first session, led by Mitzi Carter, Director of the Global Indigenous Forum, delved into the sensitive issue of how urban development in Miami intersects with the preservation of Indigenous ancestral sites. It was a revealing discussion that highlighted the oft-overlooked importance of respecting and safeguarding Indigenous heritage and the ethical dilemmas surrounding land development. Hearing from Indigenous voices directly involved in preservation efforts provided a deeply human dimension to the topic, prompting me to reflect on the ways in which modern progress can sometimes clash with the preservation of historical and cultural legacies.

The following week's discussion on "Safeguarding Democracies and Rebuilding Institutional Trust: A Closer Look at Latin America," featuring a panel of USAID partners, offered an insightful analysis of the challenges facing democratic institutions in Latin America. The conversation explored the intricate dynamics of political corruption, social unrest, and the erosion of public trust in governmental and civic institutions. The panelists proposed innovative solutions for strengthening democracy and rebuilding trust, emphasizing the role of civic education, transparent governance, and international cooperation in fostering resilient democratic societies.

These TTR sessions were more than academic discussions; they were a call to action. They impressed upon me the importance of being an informed global citizen, aware of the nuances and complexities of international issues. The interdisciplinary nature of the conversations, bridging political science, anthropology, and ethics, enriched my perspective and encouraged me to think critically about my role in contributing to global solutions.

articipating in the FIU in DC Fly-In Seminar, "The Future of Resilient Communities," was an eye-opening and deeply enriching experience that broadened my understanding of the multifaceted nature of resilience in communities, particularly in the wake of natural disasters. As a student passionate about policy and its impact on society, the seminar offered me an invaluable opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals from diverse disciplines, ranging from engineering and biological sciences to architecture and communications. This cross-disciplinary encounter underscored the importance of collaboration across fields to create effective policies for community resilience.

The seminar kicked off with visits to three federal agencies: the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the Department of the Interior. These visits provided critical insights into how resilience policy is formulated and implemented at the national level. Moreover, the engagement with the private sector through our visit to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, coupled with lessons in organizing from the advocacy group Our Climate, painted a comprehensive picture of the resilience landscape, highlighting the role of diverse stakeholders in shaping resilient communities.

The preparatory phase of the seminar, which included visits to FIU's Wall of Wind and meetings with faculty at the Sea Level Solutions Center, equipped us with a solid foundation in the issues and trends related to resilience. This preparatory work culminated in the development of policy proposals, which we presented to expert panelists from the BuildStrong Coalition and Third Way, as well as Congressional staff from the offices of Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Jenniffer Gonzalez Colon. This experience not only honed my policy formulation skills but also provided a platform to voice ideas and contribute to the broader conversation on resilience.

The community of students I met, each contributing to campus and community efforts like the Green Campus Initiative and the Maurice A. Ferré Institute for Civic Leadership, inspired me. The seminar fostered a sense of unity among us, driven by our shared goal of enhancing community resilience. The prospect of applying for Washington, D.C.-based internships and completing digital badges offered by FIU in DC’s Talent Lab is an exciting next step in leveraging the knowledge and connections gained during the seminar.

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