Anthony Louis Eaton
Junior, Public Policy 

Anthony Louis Eaton, a junior majoring in public policy, brings a unique blend of leadership and service to the Next Generation Leadership Academy. A U.S. Navy veteran, Anthony’s commitment to civic engagement is demonstrated on campus as an active member of MOVE Texas, the Hobby School Student Organization and the Student Veterans Organization. He joined the national network to refine the leadership skills he developed during his military service and expand his professional connections as he seeks to continue serving his community on a new path. This fall, Anthony will further gain hands-on experience through his participation in the Civic Houston Internship Program.

Kerin Gomez
Junior, Public Policy

Kerin Gomez, a senior majoring in public policy with a minor in political science, is driven by a deep commitment to public service shaped by personal experiences with immigration reform. As a first-generation college student, she uses her education and background to uplift the Latino community. Through the Next Generation Leadership Academy, Kerin aims to sharpen her leadership and advocacy skills to create meaningful change at the local level. She plans to apply the insights and connections gained from the program to work directly with underserved communities, with a focus on issues impacting immigrant families.

Mya Holman
Junior, Public Policy

Mya Holman, a junior majoring in public policy, serves as vice president of administration for the Residence Hall Association, advocating for residents and fostering a sense of community on campus. She also contributes to the University Hearing Board, promoting fairness in student conduct. Her experience with the UH Board of Regents, the governing body of the UH System, has sparked a deeper interest in university governance and student advocacy. As a Civic Houston Intern, Mya will gain hands-on experience in public service and community-centered work. Through the academy, she aims to strengthen her leadership and policy analysis skills to better serve her campus and community.

Colin Hull
Junior, Public Policy

Colin Hull, a junior majoring in public policy, joined the Next Generation Leadership Academy as a transfer student to maximize his time at the University of Houston. Passionate about environmental policy and urban issues, such as affordable housing, transit and sustainable development, he hopes to build skills and explore career paths in policymaking or public service. This fall, Colin will join the Civic Houston Internship Program to gain hands-on experience in policy work. He is particularly interested in applying what he learns to support underserved populations and promote civic engagement in marginalized communities.

Madison Rainwater
Junior, Political Science

Madison Rainwater is a junior majoring in political science and discovered an interest in policy through the Civic Houston Internship Program with the Transportation Advocacy Group Houston. A trip to the Texas State Capitol, where she advocated for transportation policy during the legislative session, prompted her to further develop her public leadership skills. In addition to taking on jobs and internships to support her education, she founded two campus organizations that focus on political advocacy and community: The Political Science Undergraduate Association and Leaders Uniting National Activist Relations, where she devotes her public-service efforts towards children and young adults in the Houston area.

Michelle Rodriguez
Senior, Chemical Engineering, Public Policy

Michelle Rodriguez is majoring in chemical engineering and public policy, with a minor in energy and sustainability at the UH Honors College. The Houston Community College transfer student was drawn to economics, statistics and chemistry to strengthen her path to becoming a patent attorney. Her interests expanded through UH coursework tied to the National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenges, focusing on solving issues of health, sustainability and security. On campus, Michelle is active in several engineering organizations, including the UH Engineers Without Borders and the Energy Coalition. Through the Next Generation Leadership Academy, she hopes to strengthen her public service experience and leadership skills to serve her community better.

Vincent Ruggiero
Senior, Political Science

Vincent Ruggiero is a senior majoring in political science with a minor in public leadership. The former Harris Fellow for the office of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo discovered 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 in the offices of Houston City Council Member Joaquin Martinez and City Controller Chris Hollins. On campus, Vincent promotes student academic and professional development across disciplines through the Political Science Undergraduate Association. He has volunteered with VoteHouston, Cougar Cupboard and youth mentoring organizations as well as political campaigns. He is a recipient of the 2025 Richard Murray Endowed Scholarship.

Joshua Sambrano
Junior, Public Policy

Joshua Sambrano is a pre-law sophomore majoring in public policy. A first-generation college student, he discovered his passion for public affairs through high school debate programs and later, working with local elected officials, including Houston City Council Members Joaquin Martinez and Julian Ramirez. Joshua is the co-founder and executive director of Au Fiat, a Texas-based nonprofit focused on civic engagement and political education for students and currently serves as president of the Au Fiat Civics Club. He sought out the academy to further develop his skills in public problem-solving and community advocacy.

Alice Shekina Valera
Junior, Marketing

Alice Shekina Valera is a junior majoring in marketing with a minor in public leadership. After transferring from Austin Community College, she immersed herself in the University of Houston’s diverse community. Inspired by the intersections of business and social impact, Alice developed a strong interest in public policy as a tool for driving meaningful change. She is particularly passionate about leveraging creative marketing and business strategies to advance nonprofit, museum and advocacy work. Through the Next Generation Leadership Academy, Alice aims to strengthen her leadership and policy skills to create more equitable and innovative solutions within the business and public sectors.

Madison Danielle Williams
Junior, Political Science 

Madison Williams is a first-generation student and an active leader at the University of Houston, serving as treasurer and co-founder of the Black Pre-Law Collective, and participating in the Pre-Law Society, Coog Runners and Coog Campus Ambassadors. She joined the Next Generation Leadership Academy to expand her academic and professional networks and gain insight into becoming a criminal defense attorney. Passionate about affordable healthcare, sustainable agriculture, accessible education and civil rights, Madison hopes to grow as a leader and advocate for the next generation of public service professionals. She also aims to mentor peers navigating the challenges of higher education and community engagement.