Lailla Ahmady is a first-generation college graduate who obtained her undergraduate degree in political science with summa cum laude honors from the University of Houston in May 2022. During her time on campus, she was a member of the UH Democrats, Pi Sigma Alpha and the 2021-2022 College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences scholarship recipient. Lailla plans to get involved in the Harris County Young Democrats organization while continuing to actively volunteer at the Harris County Elections Office. By volunteering with Harris County, she has gained firsthand experience in the elections process. Prior to participating in the Harris Fellows program, she participated in the Hobby School’s Civic Houston Internship Program (CHIP) during the spring 2022 semester. Through the CHIP program, she had the opportunity to work in the office of Houston Council Member Sallie Alcorn, where she gained new skills through policy analysis, research, writing and constituent outreach. Lailla is thrilled to be able to continue her journey in local government and gain further experience working at the county level.
Host Office: Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia, Precinct 2
Blog: Abortion - Is it the County's Responsibility?

Daniel Boyd is a senior at the University of Houston and is pursuing his degree in political science with a minor in national security studies. Daniel considers himself as someone who isn’t only pursuing a major but is pursuing a purpose. He has served on several mission trips to countries such as the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica, where he helped impoverished communities by building clean water systems, providing basic medical assistance and hosting recreational activities. It was through this experience that he gained a new perspective of the world outside his hometown and where he ultimately found a passion for helping others through volunteerism efforts. Daniel is heavily involved in his local church having served as a youth group leader, an altar server and other community efforts through Humble Area Assistance Ministries. Through his former and current endeavors, Daniel established a passion for public service and a desire to help people. He is excited to gain experience as a Harris Fellow and to serve the people of his beloved hometown of Houston.
Host Office: Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee
Blog: Contamination Sites Leave Harris County Residents with Lifetime of Detriment

Alexander Desormeaux is a junior at the University of Houston pursuing a degree in political science. Alexander transferred to the University of Houston from Texas Tech University where he was majoring in physics. The Houston area native helped his neighbors and others in surrounding neighborhoods during Hurricane Harvey’s recovery efforts. In high school, Alexander was a part of the Technology Student Association (TSA), a national organization of students engaged in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). He garnered campaign experience assisting his classmates and colleagues run for officer positions within the Texas branch of the TSA.
Host Office: Office of County Administration
Blog: Election Administration Issues Within Harris County

Marie McGrew is a senior pursuing a political science degree with a minor in marketing at the University of Houston. Marie is a first-generation student who attributes many of her accomplishments to those who helped her though community outreach efforts. She aspires to fill that role for others in the Houston community. Marie is involved in various community service projects with several organizations that address community concerns, such as voter registration and food drives. She serves on the Student Government Association's Student Senate, representing the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, and as juvenile justice chair of the UH NAACP chapter. She is also a black student union member and a staffer for the College Democrats at the University of Houston’s voter registration officer. Through these roles, she has found her passion for public service. During the 87^th Texas Legislative session, Marie served as the social media and outreach coordinator for the district office of Texas State Representative Carl O. Sherman. Because of this experience, Marie gained a love for connecting the community with their government.
Host Office: Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth
Blog: Harris County Chooses New Elections Administrator

Amanda Purter is pursuing a degree in political science at the University of Houston. She is a transfer student from the University of Montevallo, where she was a McNair scholar. Through the Civic Houston Internship Program, Amanda interned with Houston City Council Member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz during the spring of 2022. She assisted with constituent services and communicating with all 88 community and civic club organization leaders. Amanda also supported the director of constituent services in organizing workshops on deed restrictions within the community. She enjoyed the experience of working directly with members of the community and learning under the guidance of District D’s Director of Constituent Services. Amanda is passionate about state and local government and plans to pursue graduate work upon graduation.
Host Office: Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Precinct 1
Blog: Economic Justice: Harris County Precinct 1 MWBE Program

Rohit Shajan is a junior in the Honors College at the University of Houston pursuing a degree in sociology and a minor in energy and sustainability. On campus, Rohit serves as the Vice President of NextGen America at UH, a collegiate chapter of the nation’s largest youth voting organization. He also serves as vice-chair and student representative on the University’s Transportation and Parking Advisory Committee and the Transportation’s Enhancements Committee. Rohit previously served as a student advocate as an undergraduate at-large senator and later as speaker of the senate of the 58th University of Houston Student Government Association. In this role, he highlighted issues that directly impact the student body, including campus infrastructure and accessibility. Rohit is also a team mentor in the University of Houston’s Mock Trial Association. Beyond his campus involvement, Rohit is the vice president of the Brazoria County Young Democrats and serves as the deputy director of programs for the Texas College Democrats. He also involved himself in local elections and campaign management as a campaign manager in the 2022 Pearland School Board Elections.
Host Office: Harris County Treasurer Dylan Osborne
Blog: Harris County’s Cash Bail Struggles: The Profitable Market of the Criminal Justice System