Meet Our Team

The Reimagine Pearland Initiative started by high school students who want to make a change in the way Pearland residents move around their city. 

Tarek Albaba

I'm a senior at Pearland High School in Pearland, Texas, and one of the co-founders of the Reimagine Pearland Initiative. I helped create this project because I care deeply about how cities are designed and how that design impacts the way we live, move, and connect. Like many people in Pearland, I’ve noticed how difficult it can be to walk or bike safely in our city. I believe we can change that. By improving our streets with protected bike lanes, shaded sidewalks, and better access to public spaces, we can create a Pearland that works better for everyone especially those who don’t drive. This initiative is about building a healthier, more connected, and more livable city. I hope it sparks a conversation and inspires action.

Obada Achkar

Hi! My name is Obada Achkar, and I’m a junior at Pearland High School. I’ve always been interested in healthcare and how the choices we make as a community affect people’s well-being. That’s one of the main reasons I helped create this website: to show how something as simple as sidewalks can have a big impact on public health. Sidewalks aren’t just for getting from one place to another. They give people safe spaces to walk, bike, and stay active, which helps prevent health issues like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. They also reduce car dependence, which means cleaner air and fewer traffic-related injuries. To me, sidewalks are part of the bigger picture of building a healthier Pearland where people can thrive physically and mentally.

Hadi Elghawi

Hi! My name is Hadi Elghawi, and I’m a senior at Pearland High School. I became involved in this project because I have experienced firsthand the challenges of wanting to go out and enjoy my community without access to a car. This inspired me to advocate for safer bike lanes and sidewalks, not only for convenience but also to encourage healthier lifestyles and stronger connections within our neighborhoods. I believe that through collaboration and dedication, we can build a future where everyone, whether they own a car or not, can move freely, safely, and confidently. These improvements aren’t just about transportation, they’re about creating opportunities for memorable experiences and a better quality of life for all.

Our Shared Vision for a Greener Pearland

Pearland doesn’t have to be just a place people pass through. It can become a city where neighbors walk, bike, meet, and thrive together. Our vision is a community that prioritizes people, not cars, where daily life is accessible, connected, and sustainable.

We picture shaded sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and green corridors lined with trees. Parks and gathering spaces would invite movement and connection, while local shops and cafés would anchor vibrant, walkable neighborhoods that showcase Pearland’s identity. Research shows that walkable communities are healthier and safer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults need at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week, yet only about one in four adults in the United States actually achieve that. Cities with more sidewalks and bike lanes make it easier for people to stay active, which reduces the risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.

Improved walkability is also connected to safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that pedestrian fatalities have increased by more than 60 percent over the last decade, with many accidents occurring in areas without sidewalks or crosswalks. Protected bike lanes and safer pedestrian infrastructure can dramatically reduce these risks. On top of that, walkable neighborhoods have been shown to boost local economies, as studies from Smart Growth America highlight that small businesses in walkable areas see higher foot traffic and stronger customer loyalty.

This isn’t only about better design. It is about livability, sustainability, and equity. Together, we can build a Pearland where everyone, regardless of age or ability, can move freely, breathe cleaner air, and feel a stronger sense of pride in their home. Cleaner transportation options can reduce air pollution, which according to the American Lung Association contributes to respiratory problems for millions of Americans each year. A more walkable Pearland would not just connect streets but also connect people to healthier lifestyles, safer travel, and a stronger sense of community.