2025 Harris Fellows
Front left to right: Saron Regassa, Nekane Diaz Lopez, Danielle Guevara
Back left to right: Jake McCutchen, Vincent Ruggiero, Abdullah Soliman
The newest Harris Fellows are assigned to Harris County offices as full-time interns to support various county government operations over the summer. The fifth cohort of undergraduates and post-baccalaureates will develop their public service experience through meaningful work on constituent services, research, policy analysis, communications, community outreach and special projects while building professional networks.
Nekane Diaz Lopez
Senior, Public Policy
Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis
Nekane Diaz is a senior majoring in public policy with a minor in legal studies, hoping
to strengthen her understanding of the intersection between law and policy through
a law degree. She previously served as a Civic Houston Intern in the office of At-Large
Houston Council Member Twila Carter. Diaz has worked as a student research assistant
to Hobby School Associate Professor Miyra Holman and led a health campaign in collaboration
with the Houston Coalition for Environment, Equity and Resilience focused on energy
insecurity as a public health issue and promoting mitigation solutions. On campus,
she volunteers in events practicing civic engagement, such as town halls on community
safety. In 2024, Diaz was selected to present a research project examining the relationship
between life expectancy and income in the Houston area at the National Conference
on Undergraduate Research in Long Beach, California.
"My day-to-day on the policy team is dynamic and hands-on. I spend my time researching key issues, creating outreach materials and attending policy meetings, events and site visits. Every part of the work gives me a deeper understanding of the intersection of public policy and local impact."
Danielle Guevara
Senior, Public Policy
Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare
Danielle Guevara is a first-generation college student earning her degree in public
policy this summer at the Hobby School, where she served as a peer assistant and a
member of the Undergraduate Student Advisory Council, participated in numerous public
service opportunities and helped found the Hobby School Registered Student Organization.
In the spring of 2025, she was named a Richard Murray Endowed Scholar for her dedication
to public service. She was recognized with the Garnet Coleman Award for Student Excellence
at the Hobby School commencement. Guevara was active on campus with MOVE Texas and
participated in the Challenger Program. She is a two-time Civic Houston Intern with
the Latino Victory Fund and Intergovernmental Affairs and Community Engagement Division
at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. As a Harris Fellow, she will extend
her previous internship experience with Harris County. Guevara is pursuing a Master
of Public Administration in the fall.
"I am deeply engaged with the local community, providing the public with insight into the work of the district attorney's office and helping connect them with the resources they need. Some days are spent on policy memos and coordinating community events and long-term projects, while others are spent in the field. It's a powerful reminder that even small acts of service can lay the foundation for future success."
Jake McCutchen
Post-baccalaureate, Political Science
Harris County Office of Administration - Justice Innovation Team
Jake McCutchen is a first-generation college graduate with a bachelor's degree in
political science and a minor in English and creative writing. His passion for public
service began in 2023 through the Civic Houston Internship Program, where he interned
with the office of U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt, supporting constituents in Texas's 38th
congressional district. In 2024, McCutcheon was selected for the College of Liberal
Arts and Social Sciences Dean's Mayoral Internship Program and placed in the Houston
Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs, where he explored the role of arts in economic
development and gathered insights from the city's literary arts community. On campus,
McCutcheon was promoted to supply chain manager at Shasta’s Cones & More, sharpening
his leadership and operations skills. He also plans to pursue a master's degree in
international relations and geopolitics, with aspirations of contributing to U.S.
foreign policy through a future career in diplomacy.
"My focus with the Justice Innovation Team is to create a more accessible reentry resource guide with various services, whether it's food, housing or employment support. The 2025 Mindful Justice Conference was a memorable experience and an opportunity to have conversations with justice professionals, practitioners and justice-impacted individuals, which taught me about the obstacles and possible solutions outside of traditional justice practices."
Saron Regassa
Post-baccalaureate, Public Policy
Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones
Saron Regassa is a first-generation graduate pursuing a master's degree in public
policy in the fall. She earned her bachelor's degree in public policy in the spring
through the accelerated program. Regassa represented the Hobby School class of 2025
as the student commencement speaker, inspiring the next generation of leaders to lean
into their training. She founded an organization focused on advancing Black political
education on campus and served as a student senator in the UH Student Government Association.
In the spring of 2025, she was a Civic Houston Intern at the Harris County Department
of Education, working with the civic engagement team. Regassa has also interned with
the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas. She researched Black history and theory
through programs such as the Mellon Research Scholars Program and Research for Aspiring
Coogs in the Humanities and worked as a research assistant at the UH Honors College.
"My office was awarded a grant to give out 150 air conditioners throughout the precinct. It was amazing to connect people with resources and assist them throughout the entire process, especially since many get lost in the bureaucracy of the government. Providing a resource to people while maintaining accurate records and distributing items efficiently felt like what public service was supposed to look like."
Vincent Ruggiero
Senior, Political Science
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo
Vincent Ruggiero is a senior majoring in political science with a minor in public
leadership. Ruggiero found a home and public service opportunities at the Hobby School
after transferring from the Honors College at Lone Star College-University Park. He
is a two-time Civic Houston Intern focused on community engagement in the offices
of Houston City Councilmember Joaquin Martinez and Houston City Controller Chris Hollins.
On campus, Ruggiero is the president and co-founder of the Political Science Undergraduate
Association, where he promotes student academic and professional development across
disciplines. He has volunteered with VoteHouston, Cougar Cupboard and youth mentoring
organizations. He also volunteered for the Hollins Campaign for City Controller. In
2025, he received the Richard Murray Endowed Scholarship for his strong academic and
leadership commitment and passion for civic engagement.
“One of my most memorable experiences was attending the back-to-school giveaway organized by the C.J. Stroud Foundation and elected officials. Our office presented my written certificates, and it was a refreshing surprise to speak with my hometown sports hero. I was able to witness the human impact of high-profile collaboration from a shared desire to invest in Harris County youth and network with those who share the same goal.”
Abdullah Soliman
Post-baccalaureate, Political Science
Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth
Abdullah Soliman earned his bachelor's degree in political science with minors in
legal studies and entrepreneurship in the spring. During his time as a Civic Houston
Intern with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Soliman gained hands-on
experience in research and policy work. Soliman served as a senator in the UH Student
Government Association, helping pass legislation focused on campus safety and other
important student issues. As a peer mentor in the Ignite Leadership Program, he guided
fellow students in building their leadership skills. Abdullah also served as vice
president of the Arab Student Association, organizing events and workshops to strengthen
cultural connections and awareness. He transformed his passion for public service
in the Model Arab League, where he represented Egypt in the Council on Economic Affairs
and was awarded the Outstanding Delegation award.
“Whether creating infographics, staffing the Harris County Clerk at an event or shadowing a different department, my day is full of excitement and adventure. My most memorable experience was staffing the clerk at a Houston Association of Realtors event. I learned how she interacts with local constituents, and it taught me that being personable and open with people can go a long way in public service.”