Speakers & Program

Courage to Lead Award

This award recognizes one Democrat and one Republican who work across the aisle to advance bipartisan immigration solutions. This year’s honorees, Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Michael Bennet (D-CO), joined the Forum’s executive director, Ali Noorani, in conversation, discussing their support for immigration reform.

Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO)

Senator James Lankford (R-OK)

Plenary 1: Strengthening & Growing America’s Economy

This plenary examined the impact immigrants and refugees have had on the American economy. From Colorado to Idaho to Indiana, business leaders spoke on the importance of retaining talented graduates from U.S. universities, finding employees with the right skills, and ensuring businesses have enough workers.

Tracy Jan, Moderator Race & Economics Reporter, The Washington Post	Dr. Douglas Holtz-Eakin President, American Action Forum	Marya Rose VP & CAO, Cummins Inc
Jeff Wasden President, Colorado Business Roundtable	Pete Wiersma President, Idaho Dairymen’s Association

Plenary 2: Understanding & Interpreting the American Electorate

Nine days after the mid-terms, this plenary analyzed the role of culture in shaping the 2018 election cycle and explored how the election results will affect the immigration landscape. Speakers agreed that the current administration’s rhetoric — on the caravan and the wall — failed with many moderate and center-left voters.

Molly Ball, Moderator National Political Corr., TIME	Tim Dixon Co-Founder, More in Common	Lomi Kriel Reporter, Houston Chronicle
Kevin Murphy CEO, Driscoll’s Inc

Plenary 3: Protecting & Upholding American Ideals

The plenary unpacked the on-going debate as to whether immigrants and refugees threaten the American way of life and pose security risks or protect and enrich American culture. Speakers saw the need for border protection that is both strong and compassionate towards asylum seekers and immigrants.

Mindy Belz, Moderator Senior Editor, World Magazine	Shirley V. Hoogstra President, CCCU	Scott McConnell Executive Director, LifeWay Research
Sheriff Margaret Mims Fresno County, California

Master of Ceremonies

Dr. Jo Anne Lyon Ambassador & General Superintendent Emerita, The Wesleyan Church