U.S. ties with Latin America have never been more critical. The U.S. now recognizes the region as one of its fastest-growing trade partners, a key ally in developing alternative fuels, as well as its largest source of immigrants—both documented and undocumented—and illegal drugs. Furthermore, as Latin America’s global impact steadily increases, the United State’s dominant influence in the region is waning. Indeed, Latin American countries have not only grown more independent but are also forging closer ties with other global powers including China and India.
In recognition of this complex and changing landscape, the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah is proud to present the 17th Annual Rocco C. and Marion S. Siciliano Forum, Considerations on the Status of the American Society, which will examine “The Future of U.S.-Latin American Relations.” This weeklong forum (Feb. 23 – March 3) will consist of 15 informative events including several live KUER RadioWest broadcasts, an art exhibit and a documentary screening.
The below events are free and open to the public, faculty, staff and students:
“Marching to a Unified Future: Latinos in Utah and the Nation”
Monday, Feb. 23 | 9:45 a.m.
Professor Armando Solorzano, associate professor, Family and Consumer Studies and associate professor, Ethnic Studies, University of Utah
Keynote Address, Title TBD
Monday, Feb. 23 | 12 p.m.
Arturo Valenzuela, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere and former NSC Special Assistant to the President for Latin Affairs
Gould Auditorium, Marriott Library
Refreshments to follow
Reception for the Osuna Art Exhibit
Monday, Feb. 23 |1 p.m.
Fifth floor, Marriott Library
Refreshments provided
“The Future of Utah-Latin American Economic Development”
Tuesday, Feb. 24 | 9:30 p.m.
Val Hale, executive director, Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development
Fifth floor, Marriott Library
“Education, Leadership, Success: Carlos Martins, the English Teacher who Graduated more than 100 Millionaires in Brazil”
Tuesday, Feb. 24 | 12:30 p.m.
Carlos Martins, Brazilian Teaching Extraordinaire
Lunch provided
Title TBD
Tuesday, Feb. 24 | 2 p.m.
Gustavo Alamarez, managing partner at Grupo Estrategia Politica, the first lobbying and political consulting group in Mexico
“The Post-Hemispheric Americas: Beyond Bridges and Borders in the 21st Century”
Wednesday, Feb. 25 | 9:30 a.m.
Evan Ward, visiting fellow, The Wheatley Institution, Brigham Young University
Title TBD
Wednesday, Feb. 25 | 12:30 p.m.
Peter Schecter, Atlantic Council, director of the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center
Lunch provided
Screening of Underwater Dreams & Discussion with Oscar Vasquez
Wednesday, Feb. 25 | 6 p.m.
Location TBD
“How Green Gold Will Save the Amazon”
Thurdsday, Feb. 26 | 10:45 a.m.
Mark Neeleman, chairman and founder of Bamazon Technologies
“Indocumentado: Immigration and Youth in Crisis”
Thursday, Feb. 26 | 3 p.m.
Dr. Claudio Holzner, associate director, Center for Latin American Studies, College of Humanities and associate professor, Department of Political Science
Sol Jimenez, Latino-youth immigrant activist, Mestizo Arts and Activism, undergraduate student in political science, sociology and ethnic studies
Ciria Alvarez, project leader, U Dream Advising Corps, Somos Dreamers Scholarship Foundation, undergraduate student in Political Science and Sociology
Felix Vivanco-Salazar, Community Engaged Scholar Leadership Team, Bennion Center
Co-sponsored by the Bennion Center
“The Future of U.S. – Mexico Relations”
Friday, March 2 | 12:30 p.m.
Medina Mora, ambassador to the United States for Mexico
Lunch provided