^{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.”