Department of Neighborhoods

Press Release

The Mayor ANNOUNCES 2021-2022 MAYOR'S YOUTH COUNCIL
High school leaders will learn about city government, voice issues impacting youth

October 13, 2021 -- the Mayor is pleased to announce the members of the 2021-2022 Mayor’s Youth Council (MYC). Seventeen high school students took the MYC oath of office administered by the mayor at an inauguration ceremony held at City Hall on October 12. In attendance were students’ family members and City officials.

“I am proud to welcome the new members of the Mayor’s Youth Council and look forward to hearing from them about the issues that impact young people and their communities,” said The Mayor. “They are the leaders of today and tomorrow, and we welcome their perspectives and creative ideas for addressing the challenges our communities face.”

Established in 1998, the MYC provides youth the opportunity to learn about city government, share issues of concern with city officials, and gain civic leadership skills through community service activities. The council is modeled after the elected City Council, with members representing 11 single-member districts and 5 at-large districts. The program is administered by the Department of Neighborhoods (DON).

“We value the opportunity to serve as mentors and advisors for our young leaders as they learn about city government and gain civic affairs experience,” said DON director TaKasha Francis. “Over their tenure, they will acquire invaluable skills as they participate in a wide range of leadership development activities, including the UNICEF Child Friendly Cities Initiative, youth town halls at area high schools, and monthly community service projects.”

The MYC members were selected from of pool of nearly 100 applicants consisting of students ages 14-18 who live and attend high school in Houston. The members were chosen through an application and interview process conducted by a selection committee. The MYC term of office runs from October 2021 to May 2022.

Mayor's Youth Council

Pictured: Newly named 2021-2022 Mayor's Youth Council members pose with the Mayor,
Department of Neighborhoods director TaKasha Francis and staff.

MAYOR'S YOUTH COUNCIL
2021-2022 Term

Administration

Chair
Victoria Gonzalez - Clear Lake High School

Vice Chair
Grace Liu - Bellaire High School

Secretary
Brooke Ferrel - Carnegie Vanguard High School

Historian
Megan Tran - DeBakey High School for Health Professions

Webmaster
Javier Moreno - Carnegie Vanguard High School

Members

City Council District A
Hayden Mintzer – St. Agnes Academy

City Council District B
Amber Edwards - Houston Academy of International Studies

City Council District C
Brooke Ferrel - Carnegie Vanguard High School

City Council District D
Avery Robinson - Westbury High School

City Council District E
Alexavier Mendoza - Chavez High School

City Council District F
Tommy Wan - The Village School

City Council District G
Divya Shukla - Carnegie Vanguard High School

City Council District H
Javier Moreno - Carnegie Vanguard High School

City Council District I
Anthony Gonzalez - The Kinkaid School

City Council District J
David Dzul - DeBakey High School for Health Professions

City Council District K
Megan Tran - DeBakey High School for Health Professions

City Council At Large 1
Caleb Davis - Houston Academy of International Studies

City Council At Large 2
Grace Liu – Bellaire High School

City Council At Large 3
Bruce Hurley - The Kincaid School

City Council At Large 4
Victoria Gonzalez - Clear Lake High School

City Council At Large 5
Folakeni Elekolusi - Harmony School of Innovation

Aide/Alternate
Sheralyn Cruz - YES Prep Southwest

For more information about the MYC, visit www.houstontx.gov/myc.