Marymount University’s new Voices of Purpose podcast series continued with the live recording of a compelling second episode on March 18 in the Reinsch Auditorium, featuring a conversation between President Irma Becerra and Spain’s Ambassador to the United States, Ángeles Moreno Bau. The event brought students, faculty and distinguished guests together to focus on democracy, global partnerships and the evolving role of leadership in an interconnected world.
Guided by the enduring values of Winston Churchill—liberty and democracy, moral courage, global leadership, civic engagement and free enterprise—the Voices of Purpose series offers a platform for meaningful dialogue with leaders shaping today’s global landscape. This episode highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties between Spain and the U.S., while exploring how those connections continue to influence diplomacy and international cooperation.
“Marymount is Virginia’s first Hispanic-Serving Institution, and our students reflect the global connections that increasingly shape our world. Over 31 percent of our undergraduate students identify as Hispanic, and our campus community brings together students from numerous cultures, perspectives and backgrounds,” President Becerra said. “In many ways, that diversity reflects the deep cultural and historical ties that connect Spain and the United States—ties rooted in language, culture, history and shared democratic values.”
“We view the United States as a lighthouse of democracy,” Ambassador Moreno added. “Our ties, which span more than 500 years, reflect a deep and enduring partnership. Spain was there at the inception of this democracy. We supported the 13 colonies with resources and troops, and we are proud to share in that history as we continue to celebrate the strength of our two democracies today.”
Ambassador Moreno brings decades of diplomatic experience to her role. Born in Madrid, she holds a law degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and joined the Spanish Foreign Service in 1994. In 2024, she became the first woman appointed as Spain’s Ambassador to the United States, following senior leadership roles that included Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs. Her international career has included postings in Russia, Panama, Egypt, Mexico and the United Kingdom, shaping her global perspective on diplomacy and cooperation.
President Becerra guided a wide-ranging discussion that explored the resilience of democratic institutions and the importance of international collaboration in addressing global challenges. Ambassador Moreno reflected on Spain’s transition to democracy following decades of authoritarian rule, stressing the importance of dialogue, compromise and strong institutional frameworks in sustaining democratic systems. The conversation also touched on the role of cultural exchange and shared heritage in strengthening relationships between nations.
The speakers also focused on the growing role of women in global leadership, a timely theme during Women’s History Month when the episode was recorded. As the first woman to serve as Spain’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Moreno spoke about the responsibility of ensuring women’s voices are represented at the highest levels of government.
“Women are 50 percent of the population, and we must be represented equally. It is not only our right—it is our duty,” Ambassador Moreno said. “A feminist foreign policy means bringing a gender perspective to everything we do, from diplomacy to development. This ensures women are part of the solution, especially in times of conflict.”
Throughout the discussion, the Ambassador also emphasized the importance of protecting democratic institutions in an era of rapid technological change and political division.
“Democracy requires constant defense. We must protect the rule of law, engage in respectful dialogue despite our differences and ensure that new challenges—like misinformation and social media—do not undermine the values that hold our societies together.”
The live recording drew several distinguished guests, including Iceland’s Ambassador to the United States, Svanhildur Hólm Valsdóttir, and representatives from the New Zealand Embassy, reflecting the global significance of the conversation and Marymount’s increasing prominence as a hub for international dialogue. Students in attendance say the event provided valuable insight into diplomacy and cross-cultural collaboration.
“I personally enjoyed hearing her talk about her experience being in the presence of so many cultures. She said being bold is important, but respecting everyone’s differences is very important,” said Gabriel Jimenez, a first-year Business Administration major. “It’s impressive how people can put aside cultural differences to get work done. I know this is done frequently every day, but it’s awesome to see it take place on an international stage between countries.”
“As a woman, it’s very cool to see other women chase goals that no one may have thought possible before,” added sophomore Health Sciences major Sarah Robinson. “And her being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated role, it shows how the world is changing for the better with women playing bigger roles.”
President Becerra closed the conversation by reflecting on the importance of international partnerships and shared democratic values, drawing a connection to her own family’s experience.
“Ambassador, your work maintaining fruitful international relationships is an example of the global leadership and transatlantic partnerships that were championed by Churchill during the last years of his life, as he reflected on authoritarian regimes recently defeated and others that remained a threat to Europe and the world,” she explained. “As someone whose family fled authoritarian rule in Cuba, I personally appreciate the importance of democratic institutions and international collaboration in protecting freedom and opportunity for future generations.”
