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The Civic Tech Scholars program at the Better Futures Institute (BFI) is an internship designed to be a launchpad for emerging talent across San Antonio and South Texas. Designed for students pursuing degrees in computer science, cybersecurity, data analytics, and related fields, the program provides hands-on experience with real-world civic technology projects that address regional challenges.
By embedding Scholars in impactful work, BFI bridges the gap between academic training and career readiness, supporting workforce development and talent retention in the region. Participants build technical and research skills, build a profesional network, and gain exposure to the policy and planning decisions shaping their communities. View our cohorts here.
Isabella Alvarado
Boston University — B.A. Political Science
Bella Alvarado is a junior at Boston University studying Political Science with minors in Public Policy Analysis and Urban Studies. A San Antonio native, she previously worked in the City Council’s District 8 Office and on a local mayoral campaign, where she developed a deep appreciation for the role of local government in building public trust. At the Better Futures Institute, Bella is excited to apply her knowledge of politics while exploring how technology can serve as a creative tool to help public agencies become more effective and equitable. This opportunity marks a meaningful step toward her pursuit of a Master of Public Policy and a career dedicated to making government institutions both accountable and humane. Outside of her professional pursuits, Bella is an enthusiastic home cook, an avid listener of Serial, a devoted matcha drinker, and a curious explorer of urban spaces.
Eliana Arriaga
University of Texas at Austin — B.A. Government & Plan II
Eliana Arriaga is a rising sophomore at the University of Texas at Austin, double majoring in Plan II and Government with a certificate in Public Policy. She previously interned with the League of Women Voters of Texas and is passionate about civic engagement and voting rights. Eliana is a certified Election Judge and Volunteer Deputy Registrar. On campus, she is actively involved in student organizations, serving as the Outreach Director for Texas Votes and participating in Minority Women Pursuing Law and Texas Ballet.
Fizza Dhuka
University of Texas at Austin — B.A. Economics
Fizza Dhuka is a rising junior at the University of Texas at Austin studying Economics, Business, and Entrepreneurship. As a Civic Tech Scholar at the Better Futures Institute, she translates field research from site visits, surveys, and interviews into design recommendations that improve civic tech tools for workforce and economic development in San Antonio, collaborating closely with stakeholders to communicate findings. She also partners with UT Austin departments to conduct research, identifying community needs and informing program design through user interviews and insightful analysis. Driven by curiosity and a passion for connecting with people, Fizza aims for a career in product management, where strategy, user focus, and real-world impact intersect. She is eager to develop these skills alongside changemakers at BFI!
Emily Le
University of Texas at San Antonio — B.S. Computer Science
Emily Le is a senior at UTSA studying Computer Science with concentrations in Cybersecurity and Data Science, and a minor in Neuroscience. In her free time, she enjoys ice skating and painting. She's excited to explore the intersection of data and policy, and how AI can be leveraged to help underserved communities.
Jorge Armando Maa Silerio
University of Texas at San Antonio — M.S. Cybersecurity & Information Technology
Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education — M.S. Cybersecurity & Information Technology
Jorge Maa is a recent master's graduate in Cybersecurity and Information Technology due to a dual-degree program between his home university in Mexico, ITESM, and UTSA. With a B.S. and background in computer science, project management, digital plaforms, software development and data analysis, Jorge is passionate about using technological innovation to help others and solve real-world problems. He is excited to join the BFI to collaborate with like-minded individuals, strenghten his understanding of emerging technologies, contribute to impactful projects, and improve his soft skills. His future goals include working with cybersecurity and software development to ultimately help shape a more private and improved digital world where people’s life can be easier, faster, and safer through technology.
Alisha Momin
University of Texas at San Antonio — M.S. Artificial Intelligence
Alisha Momin is a graduate student at the University of Texas at San Antonio, pursuing her Master’s in Artificial Intelligence. She has a background in software engineering and has worked on full-stack development, real-time sensor integration, and machine learning research. Currently, she is involved with ScooterLab, where she contributes to AI-driven projects focused on mobility and urban data. Alisha is passionate about applying AI to solve real-world problems, particularly in the areas of transportation, accessibility, and smart cities. She is excited to join the Better Future Institute to collaborate with others who are driven to make a positive impact through technology. Her future goals include working on large-scale AI systems that help make communities safer, smarter, and more inclusive.
Annie Ngo
University of Texas at San Antonio — B.B.A. Cybersecurity
Annie Ngo is a rising senior at The University of Texas at San Antonio, majoring in Cybersecurity. With a deep interest in telecommunications and networking, she is committed to utilizing a diverse set of tools and technologies to protect organizations and individuals from cyber threats. Her enthusiasm for joining Better Futures Institute as a Civic Tech Scholar Intern is driven by a strong desire to apply her technical expertise to projects that promote equity, innovation, and resilience in San Antonio. Annie is very eager to explore the intersection of innovative technology and civic engagement, and she is excited to contribute to initiatives that empower the surrounding communities.
Savannah Rakowitz
University of Texas at Austin — B.S. Economics & B.S.A Mathematics
Savannah Rakowitz is a fourth-year undergraduate student at The University of Texas at Austin, pursuing dual degrees in Economics and Mathematics with a minor in Business. As a Civic Tech Scholar at the Better Futures Institute, she brings a robust background in quantitative economic research and financial data analysis, developed through experience in investment banking and financial consulting. Passionate about applying data-driven insights to community-centered challenges, Savannah is excited to help shape resilient, evidence-based economic solutions for the South Texas Triangle. She aspires to pursue a master’s degree in Economics and Statistics, with a focus on M&A and microeconomic research analysis.
Jonathan (Jon) Caleb Rodriguez
Savannah College of Art and Design — B.F.A. User Experience Design
Jonathan Caleb Rodriguez is a User Experience (UX) Designer and graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where he earned his degree in UX Design in 2025. A proud alumnus of CAST Tech High School’s inaugural Class of 2021. With a background in design and a passion for creativity, technology, and civics, Jon is igniting bold, thoughtful experiences with a spark of creativity. He’s committed to building community-driven products and, as a proud latino in an underrepresented field, mentoring the next generation of latino designers.
Jessy Rugeyo
University of Texas at San Antonio — Ph.D. Applied Demography
I am a first-year doctoral student in Applied Demography at the University of Texas at San Antonio, passionate about leveraging quantitative methods and research to address pressing community challenges. My expertise spans data analysis, geospatial and temporal analysis, data visualization, and academic writing. I am eager to join BFI for the opportunity to collaborate with a talented cohort, tackle real-world urban issues, and contribute meaningfully to the community while further honing my skills. In my free time, I enjoy reading African literature, playing football (soccer), and chess.
Dylan Yáñez
University of Texas at San Antonio — B.S. Computer Science
Dylan is a senior at The University of Texas at San Antonio blending Data Science and Business to develop data infrastructure with measurable business impact. With experience spanning research (edge computing, biomedical signal processing) and applied problem-solving (agricultural tech, market forecasting, and business consulting), he engineers systems that drive strategic decision making.
Dr. Alberto Gomez is a San Antonio-based entrepreneur. He is the Co-founder, President and CEO of Better Futures Institute, and Co-founder of Irys Technologies, a data analytics and cybersecurity firm. He holds a Ph.D. in Communication and Creative Industries.
