Harris Fellows 2022
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 87th 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