2025-2026 Hobby Scholarships

Mst. Thahsina Aktar Asha is a public administration professional pursuing her Master of Public Administration program in the Department of Political Science at Texas State University, where she also serves as a Graduate Instructional Assistant. She has a first degree in public administration from the University of Barishal, Bangladesh. She served as a research assistant at the Institute for Government Innovation, which inspired her interest in pushing the grounds of research in, and practice of good governance. Currently, she is a Research Assistant at the Meadows Center for Water and Environment, conducting critical research on rainwater harvesting requirements and compliance in Texas state buildings.

Asha’s diverse experience through academic, community, student leadership, and policy-focused roles has given her an advantage in understanding complex policy challenges. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including her CMO internship with the City of San Marcos where she supported community planning initiatives and policy development, and her editorial role with The Good Governance Worldwide publication. Her research interests encompass environmental policy, sustainable urban policy and planning, and community development, positioning her as an emerging leader committed to evidence-based solutions for sustainable governance.

Ariela Velazquez is a Master of Public Administration student at Texas State University, where she expects to graduate in May 2026. She currently serves as an Area of Study Advisor at a community college, where she guides students through course planning and registration. In this role, she is committed to supporting students, ensuring they have access to the resources and encouragement needed to achieve their goals. Her passion for education began during her time as a High School College Advisor with a non-profit, where she worked with first-generation and low-income high school students on the college admissions and financial aid process, helping them navigate challenges and build confidence in their future paths.

Beyond her professional work, Ariela co-directs the Association of Professionals and Students (APS), a nonprofit that expands educational opportunity for youth. In this role, she helps organize graduation ceremonies and educational workshops, while collaborating with volunteers and community partners. Community has always been important to her, and she sees her work as giving back to the space that shaped her. She is wholeheartedly committed to building a career in public service that strengthens access, opportunity, and support for future generations.

Benjamin Holt is a master’s in public administration student who is expected to graduate in the summer of 2026. In August of 2023, he graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s in public administration. He currently works as an instructional assistant in the Department of Political Science at Texas State University. Other experiences include working as a program director at a non-profit. He received the Texas State College of Liberal Arts Academic Excellence Award in 2023.

Benjamin is currently working on a thesis that explores the intersection of government-influenced entertainment media and public impact. Upon completion of his thesis and degree, he hopes he can utilize his specific expertise in his future endeavors. Holding an administrative position in media production or further exploring his research in a doctoral program are some of his considerations. Regardless of what he does, he hopes that he can produce meaningful work and aid the public at large.

Ms. Syeda Zareen Jahan is a public administration professional currently pursuing her Master of Public Administration degree in the Department of Political Science at Texas State University, where she also serves as a Graduate Instructional Assistant. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Barishal, Bangladesh.

Zareen brings a strong academic foundation and a deep commitment to public service, shaped by her cross-cultural experiences and passion for community-focused governance. Her research interests include emergency management, human resource development, and equity in public service delivery. She is particularly inspired by initiatives that promote inclusive policy solutions and resilient institutional frameworks in both local and global contexts.

Hannah Amaya is a Master of Public Administration student at Texas State University with a concentration in public management. She holds a B.S. in Applied Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Texas State. As a first-generation college student, she is passionate about community service and public sector leadership.

Currently, Hannah serves as a Graduate Instructional Assistant in the Department of Political Science and works with Hays County Office of Emergency Services. She has actively contributed to initiatives such as the Unified Standard Response Protocol (SRP) Task Force and the Hays County Emergency Preparedness Fair. Hannah’s career goal is to pursue a leadership role in local government or nonprofit organizations, focusing on enhancing public safety and community engagement

Heather Hampton is a public administration professional pursuing her Master of Public Administration in the Department of Political Science at Texas State University. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in History and Sociology from Texas Tech University.

She currently works at the Texas Comptroller of Public Account managing multiple grant programs, which has inspired her dedication to public finance. With Heather’s experience in leadership and public policy, she is passionate about accountability and fiscal management.

Ishrat Jahan Ritu is a public administration professional pursuing her Master of Public Administration degree in the Department of Political Science at Texas State University. She earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Daffodil International University, Bangladesh.

Her current research at The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment focuses on rainwater harvesting policy and sustainable water governance in Texas. With a background in law and a growing portfolio in environmental policy, Ishrat is passionate about public service, regulatory research, and advancing equitable, evidence-based policy solutions.

Tanya Garduño is a civic technologist and digital strategist pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration at Texas State University, where she is set to graduate in December 2025. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Texas State.

Her work centers on the intersection of technology, policy, and democracy, with a particular focus on advancing AI policy to strengthen civic engagement, social justice, and equitable participation in U.S. governance. As a Kairos Fellow with leadership training from the Rockwood Leadership Institute and The Management Center, Tanya brings a strong background in civic technology and digital marketing for mission-driven organizations.

She is committed to leveraging her expertise to create more accessible and accountable public institutions, ensuring that emerging technologies serve communities and democratic values.