About Us

Our History

AliefVotes was founded in June 2022 by Tommy Wan, Mujeebat Gbolahan, and Alief ISD Students. We are partnered and funded by the Office of Houston City Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas and the Houston Department of Neighborhoods.

Alief is deeply rooted within the rich cultural heritage of the Viet, Chinese, Latinx, and African communities. Our suburbs, neighborhoods, and students represent a microcosm of diverse ideas and perspectives within the fabric of our nation.

Yet, there is historically low voter turnout in Alief. Our community lacks youth civic engagement programming—particularly in resources, leadership opportunities, community engagement, and voter education. Alief ISD historically lacks civic engagement programming. We seek to bridge that gap.

In our inaugural year, we've mentored seven Fellows, held an art and essay contest, provided scholarship funds to the community, visited Texas lawmakers, held two food drives, distributed food to the unhoused, presented at schools, met with elected officials about infrastructure projects, volunteered at the food bank, organized community clean-ups, traveled to conferences and more.

Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 2023, we focus on community and student leadership. If you would like to collaborate with us in hosting an event, workshop, or mentoring our students, please contact us at aliefvotes@gmail.com.

Meet the Organizers

Program Director

Tommy Wan

Tommy Wan (he/him) is an undergraduate student at the University of Texas at Austin studying Civil Engineering and Government. His work focuses on youth civic engagement, political advocacy, and voter education in Houston. His experiences include the U.S. Congress, Texas House of Representatives, Houston City Council, and OCA-Greater Houston.

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Program Manager

Madeline Medrano

Madeline Medrano (she/her) is the program manager for AliefVotes. As a proud Alief Early College High School student, Madeline has created lasting memories. She has organized a healthcare fair and workshops and manages twenty-five fellows. Her experiences in a diverse community set a foundation for equitable work in Alief. She has served as Director of Communications.

Mujeebat Gholahan, Partnership Coordinator

Alexandra Onwuli, Director of Communications.

Ny'Elle Blount, Director of Data & Records.

Emaan Syed, Director of Finance.

Helin Wang, Director of Events.

Oyindamola Akintola, Director of Events.

Julian Nguyen & Rahman Ovezov, GOTV Interns.

Board of Directors: Tommy Wan, Mujeebat Gbolahan, Abby Gail Triño. Board appointments will occur in June 2025.

Staff: Abby Gail Triño (Executive Director) & Christina Fu (GOTV Manager)

For governance inquiries or board nomination interests, please email aliefvotes@gmail.com.

Our Team.

AliefVotes is student-led and student-run. All directors were appointed after a year of civic engagement experience with AliefVotes. Learn more about our organizational structure here.

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Mujeebat Gbolahan

Pamona College

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Christina Fu

GOTV Manager

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Alexandra Onwuli

Alief Early College

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Ny'Elle Blount

Taylor High School

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Helin Wang

Kerr High School

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Oyindamola Akintola

Alief Early College

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Emaan Syed

Alief Early College

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Rahman Ovezov

Village High School

Board of Directors

AliefVotes maintains a robust governance structure. We are advised and guided by leaders in civic engagement, the Alief community, and youth organizing.

Read our bylaws here. For inquiries regarding 501(c)(3) status, email aliefvotes@gmail.com

Mujeebat Gbolahan

Board of Directors

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Abby Gail Triño

Board of Directors

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Tommy Wan

Board of Directors

Mission & Vision

Mission: To empower youth civic engagement in Alief through civic education, leadership opportunities, and youth-led community projects.

Vision: We envision a pipeline of proactive, civically engaged, and community-oriented youth in Alief.

Read our comprehensive master plan with our strategies, plans, and budget at bit.ly/AliefVotes.