D.C. Fly-In

The D.C. Fly-In provided insight into the federal process, strengthened connections, and strengthened civic engagement for the Permian Basin.

The Midland and Odessa Chambers of Commerce organized the joint community effort, taking more than 60 West Texans to Capitol Hill from March 28 – March 31, 2022. The Shepperd Leadership Institute partnered with the chambers to include a UT Permian Basin delegation of staff and students on the fly-in.

Highlights from the four-day D.C. Fly-In itinerary included:

• Capitol Hill 101
• Energy briefing from U.S. Chamber experts
• Bipartisanship panel discussion with West Texas Congressmen August Pfluger, Jodey Arrington and others
• Media panel discussion moderated by Tatum Hubbard
• Update from U.S. Senator John Cornyn of Texas
• Immigration briefing from Christopher Landau, Former Ambassador to Mexico
• Commercial Space Industry Discussion

In addition to the planned agenda, the Shepperd Leadership Institute created a service-learning experience for the UT Permian Basin students with the help of the West Texas Food Bank and the Capital Area Food Bank.

The six students selected through an application process included: J.P. Chavez, Andrea Sotelo Valerio, Noelle Filoteo Young, Alexia Garcia, Chasadea Cox, and Brandon Lippert.

The students and University leaders all say they gained valuable perspective, deepened civic connections, and departed D.C. even more hopeful for our future.