One of this year’s class of SHSU Distinguished Alumni was Tiffany Thomas, Houston City Councilmember for District F. Ms. Thomas was unable to attend the Distinguished Alumni Gala (she was in DC), but she did stop by SHSU the day after, and she met with various offices and individuals, including LEAP Center students.
Councilmember Thomas, who graduated from SHSU in 2003 with a Bachelor’s in Communications, immediately struck a friendly and positive tone with the students, inviting an interactive meeting, one that stretched to almost an hour in total.
She focused on the importance of taking initiative rather than waiting for others, ensuring, as she described it, a “seat at the table.” For her, that meant getting involved in the issues she cared about. For her that eventually meant eventually running for office–first for Alief School Board and then for Houston City Council. But there are many ways to serve, and electoral office isn’t the only path.
But as an elected official, Thomas has stressed Economic Development, Quality of Life, Youth Programming, Neighborhood Revitalization, and Public Safety. Representing one of the most diverse districts in the nation gives Thomas credibility when she says, “If we can get it right in this district, then America can get it right, too.”
The Q&A period was engaging…
…and Councilmember Thomas used the time to encourage empowerment, to encourage the students to get involved, to stay engaged, and to show persistence–all of which, she reminded them, will help their communities and America get it right.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 