The 2025 Hobby Fellows are Alexis Boehmer, Erick Garcia, Gabriela Hamdieh, Juliana Hernandez, Zain Memon, Mohammad Nobani, Ferah-Chukwu Odili, Benjamin Rizk, Milan Sam, Eduardo Sanchez, Cullen Watkins and Alex Westerbeck.

Alexis Boehmer
Senior, Psychology
Office of State Representative Gene Wu

Alexis Boehmer is a senior at the University of Houston Honors College pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in laws, values and policy. Her passion for the intersection of legal advocacy and public policy shaped her undergraduate career. Boehmer has served as a Civic Houston Intern in the office of Houston City Councilmember Martha Castex Tatum and as a Harris Fellow with the Harris County Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity. On campus, she has held a leadership role in the UH Mock Trail Association and has been active in the political advocacy group Deeds Not Words, where she focused on voter registration, reproductive health education and advocating for improved mental health services. Most recently, Boehmer interned with the Harris County Public Defender's Office, where she researched the impact of state laws on youth in the criminal justice system.

“Hobby Fellows opened my eyes to behind-the-scenes research roles within the policy field. From legal experts who transform bill ideas into formal drafts to policy analysts who assess a bill's financial impact and historical context, countless professionals ensure legislation is examined from every angle. I've formed more meaningful connections during this one internship than in all my previous internships combined.” 

Erick Garcia
Senior, Political Science and Public Policy
Office of State Representative Armando Walle

Erick Garcia is a senior double majoring in political science and public policy with a minor in Spanish for the Global Professions. He began his public service journey as a Civic Houston Intern at the Office of Boards and Commissions at the Harris County Office of County Administration. Born to Mexican immigrants, Garcia was instilled with pride in the Latino community since birth. He researched at Arte Público Press, exploring Texas Mexican American history and producing a digital timeline for LULAC Historic Council 60. Recently, Garcia interned in the district office of Texas state Rep. Armando Walle in the fall of 2024 through the Civic Houston Internship Program. As a member of the Next Generation Leadership Academy, Garcia aims to make an impact by applying new leadership, communication and research skills to his coursework and new real-world experiences.

“The Hobby Fellows program offered invaluable exposure to the policymaking process. With 181 legislators, countless interest groups and extensive floor debates, each piece of legislation presented a new opportunity to understand the complexities of policy. The insights I’ve gained from policy experts have deepened my understanding of public policy in a way that classroom learning alone could not provide.”  

Gabriela Hamdieh
Senior, Public Policy
Office of State Representative Ana Hernandez

Gabriela Hamdieh is a senior majoring in public policy with a minor in human development and family sciences. She started as an intern with the Trevor Project and was a Civic Houston Intern in the Mayor's Office of Economic Development and Civic and Public Policy Improvement. She was chosen for the inaugural Next Generation Leadership Academy cohort in 2022, serves on the Hobby School Undergraduate Advisory Committee and organizes events around public policy education. Hamdieh worked in Washington, D.C., as a 2024 Leland Fellow in the office of U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia. In the summer of 2024, she was selected for a national undergraduate research program as a Public Policy and International Affairs Junior Summer Institute Fellow at Carnegie Mellon University. She also bolstered her research skills through the UH Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship. Additionally, Hamdieh is involved with the Houston Undergraduate Law Review and worked at the Student Business Services office on campus. Hamdieh is a recipient of the Elizabeth D. Rockwell and Richard Murray Endowed Scholarships.

“Hobby Fellows deepened my understanding of the legislative process, particularly the critical role relationships play in advancing legislation and how collaboration and strategic communication shape policy outcomes. My responsibilities included writing vote recommendations and bill analyses on issues related to Licensing and Administrative Procedures. I also drafted media communications and constituent letters and organized information on legislative priorities.” 

Juliana Hernandez
Senior, Public Policy and Political Science
Office of State Representative Armando Walle

Juliana Hernandez is a senior at the University of Houston, double majoring in public policy and political science. She gained her first experience in public service as a Civic Houston Intern in the district office of U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia. Hernandez later served as a Harris Fellow in Harris County's Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity, where we worked on early childhood education initiatives, including drafting policy memos. Hernandez was also a Civic Houston Intern at Air Alliance Houston, contributing to community engagement and research on environmental regulation and protection. On campus, Hernandez serves as vice president of the UH LULAC chapter, advancing the student organization's mission through meetings and events. Off-campus, she volunteers with various causes and advocates for her community as an officer in her local civic club.

"The Hobby Fellows program immersed me directly into the heart of Texas government, allowing me to clearly observe and understand the complex mechanisms, processes and political dynamics that drive policymaking in our state. I felt incredibly fortunate for this opportunity; firsthand insight is rare and invaluable."  

Zain Memon
Junior, Finance
Office of State Representative Jon Rosenthal

Zain Memon is a junior at the Bauer College of Business pursuing a degree in finance. He is engaged in advocacy and passionate about community service, having worked with Young Muslims, a national organization promoting education, mentorship, service and companionship among youth. He is involved in community initiatives at his mosque and on campus with the UH Muslim Student Association and Muslim Business Student Association. Memon has helped organize his peers in volunteer efforts at area food banks and shelters for those experiencing homelessness. He recently interned with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a Civic Houston Intern, focusing on defending civil rights.

"The experience as a Hobby Fellow deepened my appreciation for the complexity and collaboration involved in shaping policy. My favorite part was the meaningful conversations I had with staffers from both sides of the aisle. Regardless of political affiliation, there was a shared commitment to improving Texas, and being part of that environment has been incredibly rewarding.” 

Mohammad Nobani
Junior, Political Science   
Office of State Senator Paul Bettencourt

Mohammad Nobani is a junior majoring in political science with a minor in national security studies at the University of Houston. Born in New York and raised overseas, his international experiences have fueled his passion for diplomacy and service. Nobani leveraged his fluency in Arabic as a U.S. Department of State intern with the U.S. Mission to Yemen, working with reports influencing U.S.-Yemeni engagement and working directly with Yemeni organizations. He gained hands-on experience in constituent relations as a Civic Houston Intern for Houston City Councilmember Fred Flickinger. Nobani recently represented the UH Honors College at the National Model United Nations in Washington, D.C. He works in the community as an airport volunteer ambassador at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, staffing local elections as a poll watcher for the Fort Bend County Republican Party and as a Harris County Deputy Voter Registrar.

“Working at the heart of Texas governance has shown me how even the smallest details can carry enormous weight. No two days were the same. I might begin by briefing my senator on complex tax legislation and later help coordinate stakeholders ahead of a packed hearing. Throughout the day, I navigated the dynamic intersection of politics, policy and personalities.” 

Ferah-Chukwu Odili
Junior, Political Science
Office of State Senator Borris Miles

Ferah-Chukwu Odili is a junior at the University of Houston Honors College pursuing a degree in political science with a minor in national security studies. On campus, Odili is a peer mentor helping first-year Honors College students navigate their transition into university life. She was a Civic Houston Intern in the district office of Texas state Sen. Borris Miles, researching housing equity and how background checks disproportionately affect people's access to affordable housing in Houston, and later in the district office of U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher. Odili developed communication skills and an understanding of how the state and federal governments work in tandem. In addition to housing equity, Odili has targeted her recent focus on education reform and the "Law of Parties" in Texas.  

“Hobby Fellows showed me how much collaboration is required across the political spectrum to make progress. It's not simply a matter of red versus blue—there's a lot of nuance and cooperation involved in the policymaking process. For the past month, I’ve been the sole staffer handling the Criminal Justice Committee for my office! I’ve enjoyed the challenge and responsibility.” 

Benjamin Rizk
Senior, Political Science
Office of State Representative Jolanda Jones

Benjamin Rizk is a senior pursuing a political science degree with a minor in marketing. His journey in political advocacy began in the fall of 2022 as a campus director for Beto O'Rourke's gubernatorial campaign, where he gained valuable experience organizing voter registration drives, canvassing, phone banking, and other efforts to engage students and get them to the polls. During his term as UH Student Government Association president, he raised the campus student minimum wage to $10, securing increased funding and visibility for health and wellness services, reducing student parking fees and restructuring student government institutions. During his recent internship with Texas state Rep. Jolanda Jones through the Civic Houston Internship Program, Rizk gained insight into local government operations while helping expand the district office's reach and services.

“The Hobby Fellows program gave me a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective on how lobbying truly functions. This experience sharpened my ability to think critically and discern competing policy narratives. The connections I’ve built are the most valuable part of the internship and are not only instrumental to my growth but will also serve as a foundation for driving meaningful changes in the policy sphere and beyond.” 

Milan Sam
Junior, Public Policy
Office of State Senator Carol Alvarado

Milan Sam is a junior at the University of Houston pursuing dual bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public policy through the Hobby School’s accelerated pathway program, with a minor in management and leadership. He first worked in the office of Harris County Justice of the Peace Judge Dolores Lozano through the Civic Houston Internship Program. He was a 2024 Harris Fellow in the Research Analysis Division of the Harris County Office of County Administration, where he extended his summer internship into a part-time role in the fall. Sam is a member of the UH Scholars program in the Honors College and a writer for “Arete Review,” an undergraduate academic journal focused on political polarization. At the Hobby School, he is part of the Next Generation Leadership Academy and participates in the undergraduate advisory council. Additionally, Sam is involved in UH Debate, Partnership for the Advancement and Immersion of Refugees, Model G20, the Indian Student Association, MOVE Texas and One Small Step. 

“The Hobby Fellows program deepened my understanding of how legislative language directly influences agency operations, funding structures and public programs. It allowed me to see the connection between the policy work I supported and its real-world implementation and outcomes. Stakeholder interactions offered a unique opportunity to build relationships and gain insights from diverse perspectives.” 

Eduardo Sanchez  
Senior, Public Policy  
Office of State Representative Ann Johnson

Eduardo Sanchez Alquicira is a first-generation college student pursuing a degree in public policy with a minor in energy and sustainability. The University of Houston senior has gained valuable government experience at various levels, starting with an independent internship in the district office of U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, where he deepened his understanding of federal policy and its impact by working and engaging with constituents. He has also interned with the City of Houston's Mayor's Office of Resilience and Sustainability, collaborating with city leaders and partners to implement the Houston Climate Action Plan and Resilient Houston initiatives. Most recently, Sanchez worked in the district office of Texas state Rep. Ann Johnson as a Civic Houston Intern, helping draft briefs on issues important to the district and researching key policy areas such as energy, healthcare and education. In addition, Sanchez volunteers year-round on political and civic engagement campaigns to support Democratic candidates at all levels of government.

“One of my favorite aspects was meeting people from across the state and witnessing their passion for creating positive change. Their dedication inspired me to do my best on behalf of all Texans. Whether it was public health or renewable energy, I gained firsthand knowledge from individuals and advocacy groups that informed my analysis of legislation.” 

Cullen Watkins 
Junior, Public Policy
Office of State Representative Charles Cunningham

Cullen Watkins is a junior majoring in public policy with a minor in entrepreneurship. He was born in Houston and raised in Chicago, where his passion for politics and policy took root with his involvement in local Illinois campaigns during high school. Growing up in a family affected by alcoholism, Watkins considers addressing substance abuse as a central focus of his work. He believes it to be key in tackling broader social issues such as crime, homelessness and economic prosperity. Watkins interned with the Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Public Safety Houston Crackdown office as part of the Civic Houston Internship Program. There, he contributed to policy work on substance abuse prevention and treatment. On campus, Watkins has been an active member of the Young Conservatives of Texas at the University of Houston and serves as president of the United Sobriety Alliance.

“The Hobby Fellows program offered a behind-the-scenes view of the policymaking process—from filing a bill in January to watching it reach the governor’s desk in May. While textbooks lay the groundwork for understanding policy, this experience brought it to life through hands-on work, real-time collaboration and direct engagement with the legislative process.” 

Alex Westerbeck
Senior, Political Science and Public Policy
Office of State Senator Molly Cook

Alex Westerbeck is a senior double majoring in political science and public policy with a minor in philosophy. They first became involved in government as a Civic Houston Intern with the office of Houston City Councilmember Carolyn Evans-Shabazz. Westerbeck later returned to the Civic Houston Internship program to work with the nonprofit organization Equality Texas, where they deepened their commitment to advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. Their experience also includes working with Deeds Not Words and the Partnership for the Advancement of Refugees and serving as a peer leader in the capacity of a university housing desk assistant. Westerbeck also held office in the UH student government as an undergraduate at-large senator. Their participation in the Hobby School Next Generation Leadership Academy has provided opportunities for Westerbeck to build a national network of peers passionate about creating positive change. 

"I've gained exposure to policy areas I hadn't previously studied. One standout experience was learning about energy and AI policy while covering the Business and Commerce Committee. This hands-on engagement deepened my understanding of complex policy topics and broadened my perspective on legislative work. I've built meaningful professional relationships that will serve as lasting sources of guidance, support and opportunity."