Dec. 9, 2014: Dipak Gupta, SDSU, Understanding Terrorism & Social Conflict

Dipak K. Gupta is Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Department of Political Science at San Diego State University.  He served as the Founding Director of undergraduate program in International Security and Conflict Resolution (ISCOR). In 1997, he was awarded Albert W. Johnson Distinguished Lecturer, the highest research award for the university and was the “Professor of the Year” in 1994. His primary research interest involves the causes of terrorism, ethnic conflict, and the impact of political instability on national economic development.

Born in India, Gupta received Master’s degrees in Economics from Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan, India, and University of Pittsburgh.  He earned his Ph.D. in the area of Economic and Social Development from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at University of Pittsburgh. He has been a visiting scholar at St. Antony’s College, Oxford University, El Colegio de Mexico in Mexico City, Leiden University in the Netherlands, Fudan University in Shanghai, China and the Terrorism Prevention Branch at the United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention (ODCCP) in Vienna, Austria.  He was also awarded a summer fellowship in the International Studies Program at the Hoover Institution for War, Peace, and Revolution, at Stanford University. He received a post-doctoral fellowship at the Institute for International Politics and Economics in Belgrade, Yugoslavia.

Professor Gupta is the author of nine books and over 150 publications in scholarly journals, research monographs, chapters, in edited volumes and newspapers.

Nov. 4, 2014 Speaker: Casey B.K. Dominguez, USD – 2014 Midterm Election & Its Aftermath

Casey B. K. Dominguez is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of San Diego. She received her Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2005. Her research specialties are congressional elections, political parties, and the presidency. Dr. Dominguez has published articles on presidential elections, congressional elections, and political parties. Her ongoing research focuses on the development of presidential war powers.

Scholarly and Creative Work

Dominguez’ Ph.D. dissertation examined congressional primary elections, and found that the political party establishment attempts to stack the deck in favor of a particular primary candidate under predictable conditions. Her current research focuses on the institutional and financial relationships between political parties and interest groups. In 2009, she co-authored a paper, published in the journal American Political Research, identifying legislative and electoral interest group coalitions.

She has also published work on the presidential honeymoon period in Congress and the Presidencyand in The Forum, and is currently researching congressional responses to presidential assertions of expanded war powers.

Teaching Interests

Dominguez’ teaching interests include a wide range of topics in American politics. She teaches the introductory American Politics class, as well as upper division courses on the presidency, parties and interest groups, and campaigns and elections. She has also taught classes incorporating research methodology, including the Political Science/International Relations research Capstone, and an interdisciplinary honors course in Social Network Analysis.

Oct. 28, 2014 Speaker: Carmen Chavez, Casa Cornelia – Central American Refugee Children

Beginning last year and specifically in the last few months, there has been an overall increase in the apprehension of Unaccompanied Children from Central America at the Southwest Border.  You may have seen it in the news. An experienced attorney, whose organization provides needed services to these children going through the legal process, will provide an informational overview and background on the issue of children traveling alone to the U.S. from Central America.  Come learn about this current issue regarding unaccompanied children at our border.

Biography

Carmen Chavez was born and raised in San Diego. She graduated from San Diego State University with a B.A. degree in Political Science. While in college she became very involved in community service, especially in the area of human and civil rights.  She continued her dream to service the community through public interest law by attending Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, CA graduating in 1999.  While at Loyola she participated in Moot Court, Public Interest Law Foundation and La Raza Law Students Association.

After passing the California Bar Exam, she began working at Casa Cornelia Law Center fourteen years ago and currently serves as the Executive Director overseeing a staff of 17 and a volunteer base of over 300.  Casa Cornelia is a non-profit law firm in San Diego providing quality pro bono legal representation to victims of human and civil violations eligible for humanitarian protection under the law.

She started her service at Casa Cornelia as the recipient of the Equal Justice Works Fellowship, which allowed her to provide legal services to indigent victims of abuse and those seeking refuge from persecution and torture in their home countries.  As a Staff Attorney and then Associate Director, she handled VAWA, U Visa, T Visa, NACARA, Naturalization, and asylum cases affirmatively and defensively (Immigration Court and Board of Immigration Appeals), Special Immigration Juvenile Status (SIJS) for children and has argued successfully before the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals several times.  During this time, Carmen has given numerous presentations and trainings to the legal community, social workers, law enforcement, students, community groups, faith community, parents and clients in San Diego County and elsewhere. She is a member of the American Bar Association, Lawyers Club and the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association.

Sept. 30, 2014 Speakers: San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer & Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman

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Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer

Kevin L. Faulconer was elected to serve as mayor of the City of San Diego following a special election on February 11th, 2014 under the banner of unifying and creating “One San Diego.” As the first sitting city councilmember elected as mayor in 50 years, Kevin is proudly committed to guarding San Diego’s tax dollars, reinvesting in the city’s infrastructure and roads, continuing the reforms voted on by San Diego residents, and returning trust and integrity to City Hall.

Prior to his election as mayor, Kevin served as the former city council president pro tem, where he chaired the Audit Committee, was vice chair of the Rules Committee, and served on the Economic Strategies & Development Committee and the Committee on Budget & Finance. As chair of the Audit Committee, he worked to restore the city’s credit rating and repair its credibility with investors. Kevin became Councilmember for District 2 in San Diego in January 2006 after winning a special election. He was re-elected later that year by an overwhelming margin in the June primary election and again in 2010.
Kevin has a track record of success and delivering results for San Diego. In 2008, he took a lead role in drafting and supporting Proposition C, which passed with 67 percent of the vote. The measure ensures money generated in Mission Bay Park is invested there and at other city parks. He also campaigned in 2008 for alcohol-free beaches and bays, a measure voters supported. Alcohol is prohibited along the coast of most Southern California communities – and now San Diego’s beaches are safer, cleaner and more family-friendly. In 2010, he and a handful of others led the campaign against Proposition D, which would have raised the sales tax in San Diego. Voters joined Kevin to overwhelmingly reject the increase.

Prior to being elected, Kevin worked in public affairs for more than a decade and was vice president of a leading firm where he managed complex projects within strict budget guidelines. Kevin graduated in 1990 from San Diego State University. He and his wife, Katherine, a small business owner, live in Point Loma with their children Jack and Lauren.

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Chief Shelley Zimmerman

Shelley Zimmerman was promoted to Chief of Police on March 4, 2014.  Chief Zimmerman started with the San Diego Police Department in October 1982.  She was born in Cleveland, Ohio and is a graduate of The Ohio State University, with a degree in Criminal Justice.  She is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, FBINA #241.

Chief Zimmerman has worked many of the San Diego Police Department’s patrol commands.  Shelley also has extensive investigative experience.  Some of Chief Zimmerman’s prior assignments have included Vice, Narcotics, Internal Affairs, Multi-Cultural Community Relations Office, the Mayor’s Executive Protection Detail, the Narcotics Task Force and the Field Lieutenant position.

Chief Zimmerman has assisted in the security planning for several large events in San Diego such as the Super Bowl, Republican National Convention, major conferences and the 4^th of July Independence Day holiday at the beach, where more than one million local and visitors alike come to enjoy each year.

Chief Zimmerman has received numerous awards and citations throughout her career which has included the San Diego Press Club Headliner of the year award for her undercover work, the San Diego Business Journal’s Woman Who Mean Business Exemplary Award for her civic involvement with both the business and residential communities, the San Diego Police Foundation Women in Blue Award for her commitment to making San Diego one of the safest large cities in the United States and the Gold Key Award from the Hotel/Motel Association for her commitment to the Hospitality and Tourism Industry.

Chief Zimmerman’s previous assignment was the Neighborhood Policing section which includes; the Regional Police Academy, Backgrounds, In-Service and Field Training, Juvenile Administration, the Police Range, Volunteer Services, Information Services, Communications, Crime Analysis, and Human Resources.  Chief Zimmerman was also the Department’s liaison with the Gang Commission, STAR-PAL, the San Diego Police Foundation, Crime Stoppers, Labor Relations, the Hotel/Motel Association and the Chief’s Community Advisory Boards.

Chief Zimmerman is an avid sports fan and often participates in athletic charity fundraisers.
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Sept. 9, 2014 Speakers: Kathleen McCartney & Julie Moss, Iron Icons – Former Rivals, Motivational Speaking Team

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Kathleen McCartney

Kathleen became the 1982 Ironman World Champion in a dramatic race captured and repeated by ABC’s Wide World of Sports as the iconic example of “The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.” She unknowingly passed a crawling Julie Moss just yards from the finish line; a courageous dramatic finish that inspired millions, brought Ironman to the attention of the world and elevated the sport of triathlon.

In 2012, Kathleen triumphantly returned to the event that she won 30 years earlier. Emboldened by the Ironman motto, “Anything is Possible,” Kathleen called upon Ironman to recharge her life after facing difficult personal challenges. Drawing on the strength, determination and tenacity training for an Ironman demands, she set out to turn adversity into success. In celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the 1982 race, Kathleen’s vision for 2012 included racing with Julie Moss, who joined Kathleen on her journey to Kona.

The former rivals have transformed from competitors to collaborators and are now friends, training partners and “Iron Icons” Motivational Speakers.

Kathleen has been featured on ABC’s Wide World of Sports including an interview with Jim McKay, NBC Sports, The Johnny Carson Show, ABC Superstars, and ABC’s 25th Anniversary Greatest Moments of Wide World of Sports. She has also been featured in National publications including Outside, Runner’s World, Triathlete and Lava Magazine. Kathleen is competing again this year at the 35th Anniversary Ironman World Championship. Kathleen is the recipient of the Competitor Magazine 2001 Triathlon Legend Award, and in February 2013, Kathleen and Julie were awarded the “Ron Smith Female Triathlete of the Year 2012 ” by Triathlon Business International.

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Julie Moss

Julie was a 22 year-old student when she first saw the Ironman on ABC’s Wide World of Sports. In a snap decision, Julie decided to enter the race despite the fact she had no previous endurance experience in any of the three disciplines. That spontaneous choice aligned Julie on a trajectory with Ironman destiny.

Fifteen feet from the finish line, Julie staggered then stumbled before falling to the ground. While she was crawling to the finish line, Kathleen McCartney passed her for the win, but the dramatic footage aired by ABC’s Wide World of Sports featuring Moss’ heroic struggle inspired a generation of triathletes. Jim McKay, the legendary anchor, called Julie’s finish “perhaps the most dramatic moment on Wide World”.

In 2012, Julie Moss and Kathleen McCartney former rivals, reunited to train and race at the Ironman World Championship to celebrate their milestone 30th anniversary in the sport. They discovered a friendship and camaraderie based on a shared history, mutual respect, and their passion for the Ironman, They seamlessly collaborated to create their Iron Icon partnership and pursue the dream to journey to another Ironman finish line. Julie and Kathleen’s return to Kona was met with overwhelming support from both the media and fans, as well as being featured in NBC Sports 2012 Ironman coverage

Julie Moss put Ironman on the map and her courage and determination resulted in the most iconic moment in triathlon history.  Julie triathlon longevity spans 32 years, competing in over 20 Ironmans, including a 10-year professional career where she pursued racing and winning triathlons around the world.

Julie was inducted into the Ironman Hall of Fame in 1994, and the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame in 2012. Julie and Kathleen were co-awarded Competitors Magazine Triathlon Legend Award in 2001 and the Triathlon International Business Triathlete of the Year award in 2013.

Julie has appeared on NBC’s Survival of the Fittest, ABC’s Superstars, and ABC’s 25th Anniversary Greatest Moments of Wide World of Sports. Julie has been a multi-media sports analyst for ABC, CBS, NBC, TBS, and OWN networks.

Julie has been featured in the following national publications:  San Diego Magazine, Triathlete Magazine, Lava Magazine, Competitor Magazine, Self Magazine, ESPN Magazine, and Sports Illustrated.

Julie has worked as an event announcer for Tri California Events and Nike Women’s Marathon.

Julie Co-authored the lifestyle fitness book, “Workouts for Working People: How You Can Get in Shape While Staying Employed.”

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July 29, 2014 Speaker: Ed Hiner, US Navy SEAL Lt. Cdr, Ret’d – Making a U.S Navy SEAL

Lieutenant Commander Ed Hiner retired in 2012 after 20 years as a United States Navy SEAL.

During his time in the SEALs, Lieutenant Commander Hiner has been a SEAL instructor, Officer in Charge of SEAL instructors at BUD/S training, Officer in Charge of instruction for all West Coast SEAL Teams, training officer for all SEAL Teams pre-deployment training programs; and training officer for all of Naval Special Warfare Center.

Commander Hiner was a Platoon Commander for SEAL Team Five and a Task Unit Commander for SEAL Team Two.  He served as Operations Officer for all SEAL Teams’ missions in the Pacific, an area that covers about half the planet.  He was also invited to work with the British Special Boat Service, the British version of the U.S. Navy SEALs, where he was Executive Officer and Team Leader for two years.  “Spot promoted” to Lieutenant Commander to command a Task Unit in Iraq, this was the first time in SEAL Team history a Lieutenant was promoted to Lieutenant Commander for this purpose.

He saw nine deployments on five continents, four of which were combat deployments.  He fought in three separate wars, including Iraq and Afghanistan.  He conducted literally hundreds of combat missions and direct actions under live fire, and countless low visibility operations in South America and Asia.  He was a tactical SEAL team member for 12 years with Teams Two, Four and Five.  He was twice awarded the Bronze Start with Valor.  He earned a Master of Science in Executive Leadership from the University of San Diego.

He is currently serving as a coach and consultant specializing in leadership, team building, mental toughness and personal conflict resolution.  His goal is to help people understand their own fears in order to get past them so they can unleash their human potential and open up the realm of possibilities.  His book on leadership with McGraw Hill unleashed in January of 2015.