On Friday, August 27, 2021, Fort Bend County Commissioner Ken R. DeMerchant hosted the DeMerchant Spotlight Quarterly Award ceremony at the Fort Bend County Library – University Branch. DeMerchant presented the Q2 Spotlight Award recipients a proclamation in honor of their services to Fort Bend County. The quarterly event honorees included John Lin, Shaizad Chatriwala and Robin Arlene Cole.

John Lin
John Lin (April 2021 Award Recipient), co-founder of the Fort Bend Young Voter Project, recently served as a legislative aide to State Representative Hubert Vo and assisted with the writing of House Resolution 538, which condemns hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Shaizad Chatriwala
Shaizad Chatriwala (May 2021 Award Recipient), Director of First Colony LID 14 and Founding Member of The Brand Lane Islamic Center in Stafford. His mission is to serve the needs of the diverse communities of Fort Bend County.

Robin Arlene Cole
Robin Arlene Cole (June 2021 Award Recipient), Founder and President of the Society of Justice and Equality for the People of Sugar Land (SOJES), a nonprofit organization united in its dedication to the causes of social justice and equality. https://www.sojesjustice.org/
“In these times of constant change and disruption, it is easy to take our focus off what is right in the world,” Commissioner DeMerchant says. “This is our chance to
spotlight our own, local heroes, who work tirelessly to propel our community forward and improve the lives of others.”
Commissioner DeMerchant presented a bouquet to Spotlight recipient Robin Cole in honor of Women’s Equality Day observed this month during the event. DeMerchant closed by giving a special mention to Mr. Rufus Green, his first-ever DeMerchant Spotlight Award recipient (September 2019).
Past Spotlight honorees inducted to the Spotlight Hall of Fame include; Rufus Green, Reginald Moore, Maurice Williams, Kelly Kintano, Jessie Alexander, Atul Kothari, Wayne Chandler, Natalie Bostic, Karen Jennings, Dexter McCoy, Vickie Coates, Glenda Macal, Zona Johnson, Irma, Francesca, and Sasha Klink, Gilberto Rodriguez, Nasruddin Rupani, Cliff Parker, Christine Nguyen, Dr. Sterling Carter, Steven Carter, and Khloe Joiner.
Above: Commissioner DeMerchant (left)
Rufus Green (Right)
View Full Presentation HERE.
Know someone making a difference in Fort Bend County? To nominate them click HERE.