Erick Garcia
Senior, Political Science, and Public Policy

Erick Garcia is a junior double majoring in political science and public policy with a minor in Spanish for the Global Professions. He began his public service journey as an intern at the Harris County Office of County Administration. Later, he researched at Arte Público Press, exploring Texas Mexican American history and producing a digital timeline for LULAC Historic Council 60. Born to Mexican immigrants, Garcia was instilled with pride in the Latino community since birth. As a Next Generation Leadership Academy member, he aims to apply new leadership, communication, and research skills to make an impact.

Ashley Gomez
Senior, Public Policy

Ashley Gomez is a senior majoring in public policy and minoring in political science. Gomez is the vice president of the Association of Latinx/Hispanic Advocates and Allies, an organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity through advocacy and celebrating diverse cultures. Gomez is passionate about advocacy, activism, and leadership. She joined the Next Generation Leadership Academy to develop her skills further and make a meaningful impact in her community. Her dedication to social justice fuels her desire to drive positive change through effective policy implementation.

 Adriana Jacqueline Gonzalez
Junior, Public Policy

Adriana Jacqueline Gonzalez is a junior majoring in public policy with a minor in energy and sustainability. As a transfer student from the University of Colorado Boulder, she joined the Next Generation Leadership Academy to advance her journey toward making a meaningful and tangible impact in her community, focusing on helping preserve the environment. The UH Honors College student gained experience as an intern in the operations department of Growing Gardens, a Colorado non-profit dedicated to regenerative urban agriculture. She works with a research team focused on oyster reef restoration through the Honors College.

 Angela Guzman
Senior, Mathematics

Angela Guzman is a senior majoring in mathematics and minoring in public leadership. She is a research assistant at the Texas Center for Superconductivity and a member of the UH National Society of Black Engineers. With experience in Python, R, and ArcGIS, Guzman has honed her data analysis and research skills. Her passion for urban planning drives her aspiration to pursue a graduate school specialization. By building a foundation in public service, Guzman hopes to become an effective urban planner and will focus her academy experience on addressing community needs, promoting sustainable development and improving urban living standards.

Areebah Haider
Junior, Strategic Communications

Areebah Haider is a junior majoring in strategic communications with a concentration in advertising and a minor in public leadership at the University of Houston. Passionate about making a difference through effective communication, Haider joined the Next Generation Leadership Academy to further her interest in public service. At the University of Houston, Haider is actively involved in the American Marketing Association and Business Consulting Organization to further develop a bridge between her creative and professional pursuits in the public sector. She hopes the Next Generation Leadership Academy will equip her with the skills and knowledge to develop impactful solutions for issues, including healthcare and educational equity, effective public communication and community engagement.

Juliana Hernandez
Senior, Public Policy and Political Science

Juliana Hernandez is a senior double majoring in public policy and political science. She is an active member and officer of the University of Houston’s League of United Latin American Citizens chapter and her local civic club. Juliana wants to learn how to be a leader through the Next Generation Leadership Academy opportunities and further impact her community by boosting civic participation and education. She has developed her public service experience through interdisciplinary coursework and internship opportunities at the Hobby School. Her goal is to create meaningful policy change at the community level and spotlight underrepresented causes that will help improve the quality of life for more Houstonians. 

Rebecca Mejía
Senior, Public Policy

Rebecca Mejía is a junior majoring in public policy and minoring in legal studies. Mejía’s experience working with children and youth created her interest in social issues such as education and child advocacy. She worked with the Mayor’s Office of Education and Youth Engagement in the spring of 2024 as part of the Civic Houston Internship Program. She hopes to add to that experience by connecting with like-minded students through the Next Generation Leadership Academy. On campus, Mejía serves as vice president of UH’s Mock Trial Organization and has conducted archival research on the history of the Latino community in Houston.

Dulce María Otero
Junior, Public Policy

Dulce María Otero is a junior majoring in public policy and minoring in media studies. She is a first-generation student passionate about education policy and human rights advocacy work. She serves as the financial chair of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., where she manages the organization’s finances and philanthropic events. Otero is also a UH Student Government Association senator, vice chair of academic affairs and student appointee for the UH Children’s Learning Center. She sought the Next Generation Leadership Academy to build her community of peers working towards creative solutions. 

John Riadi
Sophomore, Public Policy

John Riadi is a sophomore majoring in public policy. As a first-generation college student, they joined the Next Generation Leadership Academy to connect with others interested in public policy and to gain practical insight into the field. They are an active member of the Young Democratic Socialists of America at UH and passionate about economic democracy, sustainable development, fighting hate and preventing democratic backsliding. Riadi is developing their skills toward becoming a public sector professional or a career as a political analyst or consultant.

Milan Sam
Junior, Public Policy

Milan Sam is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy and a Master of Public Policy through a dual degree program at the Hobby School. He participated in the Civic Houston Internship Program, working in the office of Harris County Justice of the Peace Judge Dolores Lozano. Sam served as a 2024 Harris Fellow at the Research Analysis Division at the Harris County Office of County Administration. His campus and community involvement includes UH Debate, Partnership for the Advancement and Immersion of Refugees (PAIR), Model G20, MOVE Texas, and One Small Step. He is joining the Next Generation Leadership Academy to develop his understanding of policymaking and analysis.

Julianna Zilahy
Junior, Public Policy

Julianna Zilahy is a junior majoring in public policy. As a Next Generation Leadership Academy member, Zilahy hopes to collaborate with and learn from political thinkers and have a direct impact on solving Houston-area problems. She believes her policy sector interaction will empower her to promote legislative change surrounding housing, drug policy, and education. More personally, Zilahy has been focused on environmental policy after Hurricane Harvey. Zilahy gained valuable teamwork and leadership experience as a former UH Spirit of Houston Marching Band member and Moore’s School of Music scholar. She aims to enhance these skills through the academy.