How BridgeIowa students are approaching political discussions with a Speed Dating event on campus.
When we talk about building bridges, we too often imagine structured political dialogues or facilitated events with highly qualified speakers. But sometimes, bridges can form across dinner tables, shared sidewalks — or, in this case, long rows of seats during a speed dating night.
Earlier this semester, BridgeIowa — the BridgeUSA chapter at the University of Iowa — hosted a campus-wide speed dating event. But this wasn’t your average swipe-left, swipe-right experience. With 135 students in attendance and seven rounds of guided, values-based conversation, the event reflected a core BridgeUSA belief: real progress starts with real dialogue.
“The purpose of our speed dating event was to connect University of Iowa students with one another,” said Cielo Herrera, the chapter’s president. “From our experience, students are eager to meet new people, and we wanted to give them that space — with a fun twist.”
The evening mirrored a traditional speed dating setup. Within each room, participants moved through a series of seven conversations, switching partners each round and answering a fresh prompt each time.
The “twist” came in the form of less than conventional discussion prompts for this kind of event. Participants found themselves speaking about the Trump administration, billionaires Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, and even foreign policy. And while the vibe was casual, the impact was anything but shallow.
“This event sparked plenty of meaningful dialogue,” Cielo shared. “Students had the chance to discuss more than just surface-level topics. Many stuck around afterward to keep the conversations going, exchange contact info, and reflect on their experience.”
In a time when dating apps often reduce relationships to snappy bios and way too meticulously curated photos, BridgeIowa’s event created an environment where curiosity, listening, and shared values could actually take center stage. And that emphasis on deeper connection is exactly what drew students in.
“Several attendees approached me afterward to share how much they enjoyed the opportunity,” Cielo said. “Many said it can be difficult to meet and talk with potential romantic partners, and that this casual yet structured setting was a refreshing break.”
BridgeUSA has long advocated that bridge-building doesn’t always have to start with political differences. Sometimes, the first step is simply giving people the space to talk — especially young people who are craving connection, but often unsure of where to find it.
With 135 participants and a strong sense of momentum, the event marked a key moment in BridgeIowa’s growth as a chapter.
“For my team and me, this event was a success,” Cielo reflected. “We facilitated meaningful conversations around values and perspectives… and we also increased awareness of our emerging chapter, which officially launched this past semester.”
As the spring 2025 semester begins to wind down, BridgeIowa’s speed dating night reminds us that building bridges isn’t just about politics — it’s about relationships. And in Iowa City, 135 students just took the first step toward both.
If you’re a student at the University of Iowa, you can get in touch with the chapter on Instagram here.