2026-2027 Cohort

Professional outdoor portrait of Joshua Barlow smiling at the camera in black glasses, a light gray suit, white shirt, and patterned red tie, with trees behind him. Joshua Barlow
Junior, Public Policy

Joshua Barlow is a junior at the University of Houston with a passion for disability advocacy and public service. Inspired by his own experiences with disability, he is committed to promoting accessibility and inclusion within his community. Joshua serves on the UH Residence Hall Association Hall Council and is the assistant director of development for Frontier Fiesta helping support one of the university's largest student traditions. He also volunteers with Sonya Craft Ministries, a nonprofit working to serve individuals experiencing homelessness. Through the Next Generation Leadership Academy, Joshua hopes to strengthen his leadership and communication skills while preparing for a career in public service.

Professional outdoor portrait of Han Nguyen looking at the camera, wearing a black blazer and white blouse against a softly focused leafy background. Han Nguyen
Senior, Public Policy

Han Nguyen is a senior at the University of Houston majoring in public policy and religious studies, with minors in legal studies and Jewish studies. She serves as treasurer of the Au Fiat Civics Club, where she helps organize civic engagement programming and campus events for students interested in public policy and political science. Han also works as a writing consultant at the University Writing Center, supporting students from diverse academic backgrounds. Her academic interests focus on the intersection of religion, public policy and community engagement. Through the Next Generation Leadership Academy, she hopes to strengthen her leadership skills and deepen her understanding of how to create meaningful policy impact at the local level before pursuing graduate studies.

Professional outdoor portrait of Maurya Rodrigues smiling gently at the camera, wearing a green floral dress and gold hoop earrings, with greenery in the background. Maurya Rodriques
Junior, Integrated Studies

Maurya Rodriques is a junior at the University of Houston majoring in integrated studies with concentrations in business and consumer sciences, health sciences and math and social sciences. Before transferring to UH, she earned an Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration, providing a strong foundation for her goal of one day owning and operating a business. As a full-time security officer and single mother, Maurya has balanced work, family and academics while remaining committed to her educational and professional goals. She is passionate about improving public health and living conditions within underserved communities and looks forward to developing her leadership skills through the Next Generation Leadership Academy as she prepares for a career dedicated to service and community impact.

Professional outdoor portrait of Jamila Sankoh smiling at the camera, wearing a black blazer over a bright red top, with leafy greenery in the background. Jamila Sankoh
Sophomore, Public Policy

Jamila Sankoh is a sophomore majoring in public policy at the University of Houston. Inspired by the intersection of healthcare and government, she developed a strong interest in public policy as a tool for improving health outcomes and advancing equity in underserved communities. Her public service experience includes serving as a senior youth ambassador for the Manhattan District Attorney's Office and working as a student programming and marketing assistant with the Cougar Parent and Family Engagement Center. Jamila is passionate about healthcare, education and civil rights. She hopes to create policies that improve the lives of underserved populations. Through the Next Generation Leadership Academy, Jamila looks forward to developing her leadership skills and collaborating with fellow student leaders.

Professional outdoor portrait of Rodrigo Vega looking at the camera, wearing a navy suit and tie with a patterned white shirt, framed by green foliage. Rodrigo Vega
Junior, Political Science

Rodrigo Vega is a junior at the University of Houston majoring in public policy with a minor in national security studies. He is passionate about emergency management, national security and community resilience. Rodrigo serves as a logistics volunteer with the American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast Region, where he has supported disaster preparedness efforts and served in an interim logistics coordination role. He is also a member of the Hobby School Undergraduate Student Advisory Council and volunteers with Defend the Arctic @UH. In summer 2026, he helped Hobby School classmates navigate course enrollment and registration as a UH peer assistant. Outside of academics and public service, Rodrigo enjoys scuba diving and has a strong interest in marine conservation and the sustainable management of aquatic resources.

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