Complete Communities University Celebrates Fall 2023 Graduates
The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) proudly announces the graduation of the Complete Communities University (CCU) Class of Fall 2023. Thirty-six dedicated community leaders from various city neighborhoods received certificates of course completion during a ceremony held on December 6, 2023, at City Hall.
The 8-week CCU program, aimed at empowering residents to make positive impacts in their communities, features training in civic engagement, volunteer service, and government affairs. Classes, conducted online and in person by DON staff, explore city and county government functions, navigating local resources, and building partnerships to address community interests and needs.
The graduation ceremony included a keynote address by Mayor Sylvester Turner, remarks by Shannon Buggs, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities, and TaKasha Francis, DON Director. The inaugural Sylvester Turner Leadership Award was presented to an outstanding graduate.
Mayor Turner expressed gratitude to the graduates, stating, “As graduates of Complete Communities University, you are the leaders who will help us take on today’s challenges and those on the horizon. Thank you for your commitment and collaboration in fulfilling this responsibility.”
Director Buggs emphasized the importance of the CCU graduates in supporting Mayor Turner’s vision for equitable neighborhoods, saying, “Programs like Complete Communities University play a key role in that mission.”
DON Director Francis congratulated the graduates, stating, “We are excited to work with you and create a stronger Houston through our civic networks and community partnerships.”
The CCU program, introduced in 2018 as part of Mayor Turner’s Complete Communities initiative, was relaunched by DON in 2021 with a new curriculum. Since the relaunch, 150 residents from all City Council districts have completed the training.
Complete Communities University Fall 2023 Graduates
- Myra Jefferson, District A
- Alexis Loving, District A
- Bridgette Dorian, District B
- Rachel Gravlee, District B, Near Northside Complete Community
- Cornell Guion, District B
- Teddy Resby, District B, Kashmere Gardens Complete Community
- Leandra Scott, District B, Kashmere Gardens Complete Community
- Rid Bhuiyan, District C
- Emmanuel Nunez, District C
- Selma Nellie Piña, District C
- Brittney Vora, District C
- Aliyyah Bey, District D, Sunnyside Complete Community
- Desmond Davis, District D, Sunnyside Complete Community
- Cecilia Lee, District D, Third Ward Complete Community
- Victoria Spring Luddington, District D, Sunnyside Complete Community
- Celene Vasquez, District D, Sunnyside Complete Community
- Leroy West, Jr., District D
- Mariana Carpelino Albano, District E, Edgebrook Neighborhood Resilience Area
- Shirley Wong, District E
- Christopher Roberson, District F
- Olayinka Shorunke, District F, Alief-Westwood Complete Community
- MaChelsea Thomas, District F
- Monique Cecil, District G
- Ashey Haygood, District G
- Linda Flora, District G
- Andrea Saenz, District G
- Christopher Blake Yancy, District G
- Chris Bowers, District H, Near Northside Complete Community
- Henry Cabrera, District H
- Raymond Stubblefield, District H, Near Northside Complete Community
- Rosendo Mendoza, District I
- Deirdra Taylor, District I
- Joana Dominguez, District J, Gulfton Complete Community
- Michael Heath, District K
- Daphine Jack, District K
- Mary Shapiro, District K
The Fall 2023 CCU graduates represent diverse neighborhoods across the city. The leadership training program is offered twice yearly, in the fall and spring. For more information, contact DON’s Office of Neighborhood Engagement at ccuniversity@houstontx.gov or call 832-393-1061.
