Ria Panjwani, Jack Choi, and Mahira Mathur all have one thing in common: they all bring something special to the table as members of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council. As MYAC members, they’re learning not only the in-and-outs of local government but developing the leadership skills to help them give back to future generations of Sugar Landers. Learn more about how Ria, Jack, and Mahira are using their MYAC experience to further pursue their goals and give back to their community.
Ria Panjwani – Junior in Travis High School
As a passionate advocate for community engagement, Ria Panjwani joined MYAC to broaden her leadership skills and expand her social circle. Little did she know, she would find a community of like-minded individuals who shared her enthusiasm for making a positive impact on their community.
Panjwani previously participated in the Teen Police Academy, which helped her gain insight into the intricacies of how the Sugar Land Police Department operates and further piqued her interest in public service.
“To be able to witness different aspects of the city has redefined what my perspective on working for local government looked like,” Panjwani said.
In MYAC, Panjwani enjoyed learning about what a City Manager’s job entails and now has a greater understanding of the importance of Town Hall Meetings after meeting the City Council Members.
“I was able to learn about the importance of all the positions and maybe even see myself being one of these leaders one day,” Panjwani said.
Panjwani’s passion for giving back to her community stems from the opportunities she’d been given in school organizations and Girl Scouts. Panjwani hopes to explore more potential career opportunities in public service throughout her time in MYAC.
Jack Choi – Junior in Home School
With a passion for transportation mobility, Jack Choi joined MYAC only intending to gain more clarity on how a local government operates. Much to his surprise, the Hong Kong native, who moved to Sugar Land in 2018, has been introduced to a dynamic group full of diverse knowledge.
Choi has been home schooled for three years since the pandemic back in 2020, and it’s helped him focus more on his early career development. In addition to MYAC, he’s involved with the Fort Bend Independent School District’s Community Provision Youth Coalition, spearheading efforts to bring awareness and prevention to substance abuse in his community through various surveys.
“It has motivated me to contribute to the development of Sugar Land, and attract more people here, especially young people to come back,” Choi said.
Fueled by an unwavering zeal for mobility, Choi is a relentless advocate for urban progress. He has already submitted proposals to the City, one of which includes the busy intersection adjacent to his neighborhood that affects his daily commute. As a result of his proactive efforts, a roundabout was put in place.
Mahira Mathur – Junior at Clements High School
Advocating for mental health awareness and healthy living, Mahira Mathur radiates her passion for improving the lifestyle of those around her. Growing up, Mathur learned to prioritize health and wellness through the teachings of her parents’ healthy living practices. Due to this upbringing, she and her twin sister, Mehek, were encouraged to start Fort Bend Healthy Hearts, a non-profit where they host wellness workshops and teach self-defense classes to their community. This desire to advocate for more wellness initiatives among the youth is what led her to learn about MYAC. Mathur not only wanted to provide an impact on the city, but she also wanted to learn how a city operates, grow her leadership skills, and network.
Mathur said she was impressed by all the moving parts that intertwine to operate a city and that she appreciates learning that her voice mattered and that differences are valued in Sugar Land.
“Everyone’s ideas are heard here, and there are activities and accommodations across all generations,” Mathur said.
Mathur said she has broadened her perspective on public service as a career path after learning about the inner-workings of local governments from City Council members during a MYAC class. She realized that having a background in local government is not as necessary as having a desire to give back to your community.
Know a high school junior who wants to learn about local government? MYAC will be accepting applications for a new cohort of high school juniors starting in fall 2024. For more information, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/MYAC.
Ria Panjwani, Jack Choi, and Mahira Mathur all have one thing in common: they all bring something special to the table as members of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council. As MYAC members, they’re learning not only the in-and-outs of local government but developing the leadership skills to help them give back to future generations of Sugar Landers. Learn more about how Ria, Jack, and Mahira are using their MYAC experience to further pursue their goals and give back to their community.
Ria Panjwani – Junior in Travis High School
As a passionate advocate for community engagement, Ria Panjwani joined MYAC to broaden her leadership skills and expand her social circle. Little did she know, she would find a community of like-minded individuals who shared her enthusiasm for making a positive impact on their community.
Panjwani previously participated in the Teen Police Academy, which helped her gain insight into the intricacies of how the Sugar Land Police Department operates and further piqued her interest in public service.
“To be able to witness different aspects of the city has redefined what my perspective on working for local government looked like,” Panjwani said.
In MYAC, Panjwani enjoyed learning about what a City Manager’s job entails and now has a greater understanding of the importance of Town Hall Meetings after meeting the City Council Members.
“I was able to learn about the importance of all the positions and maybe even see myself being one of these leaders one day,” Panjwani said.
Panjwani’s passion for giving back to her community stems from the opportunities she’d been given in school organizations and Girl Scouts. Panjwani hopes to explore more potential career opportunities in public service throughout her time in MYAC.
Jack Choi – Junior in Home School
With a passion for transportation mobility, Jack Choi joined MYAC only intending to gain more clarity on how a local government operates. Much to his surprise, the Hong Kong native, who moved to Sugar Land in 2018, has been introduced to a dynamic group full of diverse knowledge.
Choi has been home schooled for three years since the pandemic back in 2020, and it’s helped him focus more on his early career development. In addition to MYAC, he’s involved with the Fort Bend Independent School District’s Community Provision Youth Coalition, spearheading efforts to bring awareness and prevention to substance abuse in his community through various surveys.
“It has motivated me to contribute to the development of Sugar Land, and attract more people here, especially young people to come back,” Choi said.
Fueled by an unwavering zeal for mobility, Choi is a relentless advocate for urban progress. He has already submitted proposals to the City, one of which includes the busy intersection adjacent to his neighborhood that affects his daily commute. As a result of his proactive efforts, a roundabout was put in place.
Mahira Mathur – Junior at Clements High School
Advocating for mental health awareness and healthy living, Mahira Mathur radiates her passion for improving the lifestyle of those around her. Growing up, Mathur learned to prioritize health and wellness through the teachings of her parents’ healthy living practices. Due to this upbringing, she and her twin sister, Mehek, were encouraged to start Fort Bend Healthy Hearts, a non-profit where they host wellness workshops and teach self-defense classes to their community. This desire to advocate for more wellness initiatives among the youth is what led her to learn about MYAC. Mathur not only wanted to provide an impact on the city, but she also wanted to learn how a city operates, grow her leadership skills, and network.
Mathur said she was impressed by all the moving parts that intertwine to operate a city and that she appreciates learning that her voice mattered and that differences are valued in Sugar Land.
“Everyone’s ideas are heard here, and there are activities and accommodations across all generations,” Mathur said.
Mathur said she has broadened her perspective on public service as a career path after learning about the inner-workings of local governments from City Council members during a MYAC class. She realized that having a background in local government is not as necessary as having a desire to give back to your community.
Know a high school junior who wants to learn about local government? MYAC will be accepting applications for a new cohort of high school juniors starting in fall 2024. For more information, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/MYAC.
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