Aspen NZ Socrates Seminar – Lessons from Today’s Leaders

Will We Ever Trust the News Again?

By Te-Rina Isaáko, Socrates Seminar Leo Lonergan Scholarship Recipient 2025

Over three days in beautiful Queenstown, I had the privilege of joining an extraordinary group of intellectual, articulate, and inspiring leaders from New Zealand and the International stage. Together, we explored ideas around media, trust, objectivity, and AI - stepping into a truly global conversation. 

The seminar, “Will We Ever Trust the News Again?”, was masterfully moderated by Vivian Schiller, who fostered a warm and thoughtful environment that encouraged critical reflection and deep dialogue - an environment truly reflective of her commitment of the past years in the media scene in the USA.  

I am profoundly grateful to have received a scholarship to attend this seminar. This opportunity bridged accessibility for me and underscored the Aspen Institute’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring financial barriers don’t prevent voices like mine from being heard. 

Spending three days immersed with leaders and changemakers shaping our society was both exhilarating and intimidating - but pushed me to challenge myself in an unfamiliar setting. Reading the participant list and seeing the accolades of those attending initially made me nervous, but the Aspen Institute created an environment that was not only memorable but transformative. The mentorship and networking I experienced in such a short time spoke volumes about the power of community. 

As a young participant, the most meaningful aspect was being able to represent the voice of youth. Our generation is deeply affected by the evolving role of media, and the seminar affirmed that young perspectives matter. That affirmation gave me confidence to contribute fully and reminded me that leadership is not defined by age, but by integrity, curiosity, and courage. 

Experiences like these don’t simply add a line to your resume - they shape the way you think, speak, and show up. My biggest takeaway: the importance of showing up and speaking out in a society that is often misinformed. Every voice matters, and together we can build safer, more trustworthy communities, especially for children and younger generations. 

Here are another six key lessons I will carry forward: 

1. The Power of Dialogue – The seminar’s structure reinforced how open moderated dialogue fosters transparency and critical thinking.  

2. Trust in Media Requires Transparency – Objectivity isn’t neutrality; it’s clarity and openness. As a communicator, I must model that. 

3. Accountability is Collective – Media accountability is not just the responsibility of journalists, but of citizens, institutions, and leaders. 

4. AI is Both a Tool and a Test – AI can amplify voices but also spread misinformation. I must approach it with curiosity and caution. 

5. Moderation is Leadership in Action – Guiding technological advances ethically is leadership at its best. 

6. Integrity in Complexity – True leadership is about navigating complexity with humility, courage, and integrity. 

I am deeply grateful for this experience, for the thinkers I met, and for the encouragement to keep growing. The scholarship and support system around me made this possible. These lessons and this overall experience will last far beyond Aspen. I leave inspired to guide youth, amplify voices, and shape my community for the good. 

Te-Rina is a proud Pasifika wāhine and purpose-driven communications professional currently working in Immigration at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. She holds a Bachelor of Communication from Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, where she majored in Literary and Creative Communication and Film. Te-Rina was the recipient of a youth leadership scholarship, sponsored by Aspen NZ founding supporter, Leo Lonergan.