Meet Tori Moreland, AF-Austin’s New Chapter Leader
America’s Future Foundation is excited to welcome the new chapter leader of AF-Austin, Tori Moreland!
Tori Moreland is an award-winning political consultant who designs tech solutions for political problems through her firm, Moreland Consulting. Tori has worked on campaigns large and small, from city council to president, and with big-name clients such as TX Senator Ted Cruz and “Shark Tank” investor, Kevin O’Leary. Her passion is fusing tech with politics through creative, hard-hitting data and digital operations.
Additionally Tori serves as VP of Events with the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Liberty Leadership Council. She lives in the heart of East Austin where she practices yoga regularly and chases the best margarita in town with her 130-lb rottweiler, George.
What do you enjoy about your career path so far and why?
As a political consultant, I like to joke that at the end of a successful campaign, my only reward is another politician… Haha!
But I do truly love politics — not only the competition of the campaign trail, and the innovations that come out of those collaborative environments — but the larger implications my career has on society. Working in politics has always felt more like a duty than a choice, so there’s a certain personal fulfillment that comes out of that, too.
How long have you been in Austin and what brought you there?
I’m approaching my twelfth year here in Austin — I came for college at the University of Texas and never left! I fell in love with the city on my first college visit in high school. Austin is so unique in its fun-loving culture and shared sense of humor. It’s also home to a large creative class that values experience and aesthetic design.
What has been your history with AF?
I joined AF a couple years ago and got involved as a board member helping program new and exciting event ideas for our Austin chapter.
What helpful skills do you hold that people could ask you for advice about?
I have an eye for design and an intuitive sense of how to leverage brand identity for marketing. This comes in handy for political campaigns and messaging, of course, but is applicable in any business context.
What are you most excited about for the AF-Austin Chapter Leader role?
I’m excited to incorporate more opportunities for active volunteerism in our community — so many organizations in Austin talk about “doing good,” but so few get out there and make it happen! I’d like to host at least one major volunteer event that produces an immediate and measurable improvement.
Book recommendations?
I just finished Yuval Noah Harari’s third book, “21 Lessons for the 21st Century,” which was full of great and cautionary commentary on what the near future may have in store. You may already be familiar with his first book and best-seller, “Sapiens,” that catalogs our history and evolution as a distinct species. Both of these are great reads for anyone interested in human society and the future.
Coffee Order:
Iced latte with *oat milk* — trust me, it’s like almond milk, but better – kind of like the milk that’s leftover after a bowl of cereal.
Favorite places to travel? OR Places you would like to travel to.
It seems so “basic,” but I truly love Mexico. From Mexico City, to Oaxaca, to the Baja peninsula, and beyond, the entire country is ravishingly beautiful: beaches, deserts, mountains, and jungles. It’s home to a rich food culture scene, astounding architecture, and an epic history.
What is on your “Top 5 Fun Things To Do in Austin” list?
1. Swimming in Barton Springs Pool on a hot summer day
2. Exploring dive bars on the Eastside
3. Trying new restaurants (Austin has such a great culinary scene, it’s hard to keep up with what’s new!)
4. Weekend getaways in the Hill Country (breweries, wineries and BBQ)
5. I’d be remiss not to include “seeing live music” in this list. I’m a prog rock fan myself, so I try to find anything new and experimental happening in music — and the smaller, more underground the show, the better.