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Meet the Nominees for the O\'Kane Student Leadership

Heather Williams - Sunday, September 7, 2025
 Events 
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Dear Students,

We are excited to announce the nominees for this year’s O’Kane Student Leadership Team! These students have been recognized for their commitment to service, their ability to inspire others, and their dedication to strengthening our school community.

Please join us in congratulating the following nominees:

  • Dana Estoesta – President Candidate
  • Sora Srivastava - President Candidate
  • Megan Matt - President Candidate
  • Abrar Faiyja - Vice President Candidate
  • Heather "Shoresy" Williams - Vice President Candidate  
  • Khang Huynh - Treasurer Candidate
  • Rosa Beach - Treasurer Cadidate
  • Sophia Hurtado -Secretary Candidate
  • Eleanor Novio – Secretary Candidate
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Dana Estoesta 
 

Dana Estoesta has been a dedicated member of the O’Kane Theatre for the past three years, finding her passion not on stage but behind the scenes. She has contributed to nine productions at O’Kane Theatre, serving most often as a stage manager or assistant stage manager. Beyond stage management, Dana has also showcased her talents as a photographer, capturing production photos for several shows. Her commitment, versatility, and enthusiasm make her an invaluable part of the O’Kane Theatre community, and she continues to grow through the many opportunities the program has provided.

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Sora Srivastava
 
Sora Srivastava has been an active part of The O'Kane Theater for three years and is excited to see it entering a new chapter with the launch of this leadership committee. With extensive experience in theater and acting, Sora is committed to fostering a community built on respect, empathy, and collaboration. He is unafraid to take a firm stand when people or cultures are disrespected, but always prioritize creating space for productive, meaningful conversation. As president, Sora aims to lead with both strength and empathy, ensuring that every member feels valued and that the fraternity thrives as a space of creativity and inclusivity.
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Megan Matt

Alexandra Megan Matt is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts at UHD after transferring this fall. Though new to UHD, she brings a strong background in theater and costume design from her time at Angelina College and in Germany. Her work includes productions such as Cabaret, Hansel and Gretel, Madhouse, Laundry and Bourbon, The Haunting of Hill House, and Twelve Angry Jurors. At Angelina College, Alexandra was awarded a scholarship and graduated as an honor graduate, showcasing her dedication, work ethic, and leadership skills. As President, she is committed to fostering collaboration, encouraging participation, and building a strong creative community where both members and productions can thrive.
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Abrar Faiyaj
 

Since he began his acting career, during the middle school years, Abrar Faiyaj has been acting for about six years and is now a valuable part of the UHD Drama Club. Abrar enjoys writing original scripts and stories as well as acting. Abrar is thrilled to be nominated for Vice President and is looking forward to serving the club, helping the other members, and making new friends in the process. contributing to the development of a more robust creative environment.

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Heather Shoresy Williams

With a background in both acting and technical theater, "Shoresy" has been involved in all aspects of O'Kane theatrical productions for the past year. This Spring, she was hired for a profeshional theatre Company, FeverGroup, as an understudy.
Currently, she is the O'Kane Theatre Assistant, and Props Master for our Fall 2025 Production of God of Carnage.

She is a Senior Sociology student, on the Dean's Honor List, recipiant of both the UHD Sociology Leadership Award & the Sociology Academic Excellence Award for 2024-25

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Khang Huynh

 
Khang is proudly pursuing a degree in Microbiology at the University of Houston–Downtown while shining on stage as an active member of the O’Kane Theatrical Acting Troupe. He has brought memorable characters to life in several UHD productions, including the role of “Alan.” Khang’s passion, creativity, and unwavering dedication make him an invaluable part of the O’Kane Theatre family.
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Beach Rosa

Beach Rosa is a Sophomore BAFADC major at the University of Houston Downtown. They recently were Front Of House handling the tickets for Pipeline. Their last appearance on the UHD stage was as Alfie from ‘1 Man 2 Guvnors’ plus as the Head Guard from ‘Unperson’. Their first appearance was as the Watch from ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ here on this stage. They would like to thank the Theatre crew for being collaborative to work with plus their loved ones for supporting them throughout their Theatre journey.

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Eleanor Novio

 

Eleanor is a Sophomore Theater Arts major at the University of Houston–Downtown with a passion for storytelling both on stage and behind the scenes. She has experience assistant directing, acting, and in run crew tech, as well as teaching art to children through local camps.

 

Her strengths include strong organizational skills, clear communication, and creative problem-solving, which she hopes to bring to the secretary role. Eleanor enjoys building community through the arts and believes that a well-organized team helps creativity thrive.

 

Fun fact: when she’s not in rehearsal, she loves designing tattoos and exploring Filipino folklore to bring cultural roots into her art.

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Sofia Hurtado

Sophia is a BFA student with a concentration in Drama and plans to minor or double major in Marketing. She has held leadership roles in seven organizations across college and high school, including Associate Producer and Actors’ Deputy with the San Jacinto College South Ravens Theatre Company, Vice President of the Walter P. Webb Historical Association, and Secretary of the Honors Ambassadors Organization. With her background in leadership, organization, and communication, Sophia is excited to bring her skills to the role of Theater Treasurer.

Each nominee has demonstrated leadership in unique and meaningful ways, and we are proud to see them step forward as role models.

The O’Kane Student Leadership program provides opportunities for students to grow as leaders, represent their peers, and contribute to the culture and success of our school. Over the next week, voting will  be open to Drama Interest Groups Members. You may only vote once. 

Elections close Sunday September 13, 2025 at midnight CST.

Thank you for helping us recognize and encourage these outstanding students. We look forward to the positive impact they will continue to make!

Warm regards,
Heather "Shoresy" Williams
Theatre Assistant 
University of Houston - Downtown