By McKenzie Misiaszek 

Talya Morris jokes that she started working in public service because baseball wasn’t hiring.  

In reality, she always had an interest in problem solving and helping people, which led her to working with Meals on Wheels, helping refugees resettle, interning with Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia’s office, and eventually becoming a senior policy advisor with Precinct 4. 

“Government systems can be complex, to say the least,” said Talya. “They don’t always help the people they’re intended to serve. I wanted to be able to give back to my community and make sure people are actually able to navigate the systems that were intended to help them.” 

“Policy Jock” 

A policy advisor’s role is fairly straightforward — in theory. Advisors guide Commissioner Lesley Briones and the County on policies and decisions that help the residents of Precinct 4 — but there is an endless amount of work behind the scenes. Talya’s day-to-day involves a lot of research, writing, and meetings with organizations and other Harris County departments.  

Talya has turned her passions into policies. Her work has connected domestic violence survivors with resources, ensured the County has what it needs to run elections smoothly, and helped establish Harris County’s first LGBTQIA+ Commission. She’s even helping the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority (HCHSA) bring events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup to Houston. 

“I know ball,” jokes Talya. “Honestly, I've become the person for the HCHSA by showing just an immense love for sports and merging policy and sports in my everyday life. I think there’s probably a niche crossover between book nerd and sports nerd, and I’ve been able to find both.” 

A lifelong baseball fan 

Talya’s love for sports started early. Growing up, she played soccer and was even on the Olympic development team for a while, but her real love is baseball. She remembers watching and talking about baseball with her grandfather when she was young. 

“My grandpa wasn’t perfect,” she said. “He was a Red Sox fan.” 

Talya, on the other hand, is a lifelong Houstonian and Astros fan through and through. As a child, she was able to convince her dad to take her to games — even though he wasn’t a baseball fan. The two went to countless games where she explained the rules and calls to her father. 

One of her favorite memories is staying the full 18 innings of the 2005 playoff game between the Astros and the Atlanta Braves and watching Chris Burke hit the walk-off homer to win the game. 

“My dad [was] spending just way too much time walking around that stadium all night trying to find a hot dog,” said Talya. “That’s all he really cared about.” 

In 2022, Talya was able to attend one of the World Series games against the Phillies. She got up early and made it to the park hours before gates opened to snag a spot at the rails of the Phillips 66 Home Run Porch. When Alex Bregman hit a home run and the TV cameras panned around the park, she ended up on camera. 

Two years later, she brought a photo of her and her friends on TV to Astros spring training and managed to get Bregman to sign it. 

"He thought we were a little bit insane, but he was happy to sign it for us and take a picture with us,” said Talya. “It was really cool.” 

Looking forward in 2025 

Talya’s love for Houston and Harris County transcends sports. Ultimately, she wants to make her hometown work for the people who live here. This year, her focus includes pushing forward key policy recommendations. 

The Harris County LGBTQIA+ Commission she helped create is working on making its 2024 recommendations — such as enhancing data collection and introducing cultural competency trainings for law enforcement — a reality. Talya is also looking into ways to bring more domestic violence and mental health resources to Harris County residents. 

As for the things she can’t control — like baseball — she hopes the Astros can give some of the younger players a chance and that Houston’s staple players continue to succeed. 

“I hope Altuve can make at least one game-winning catch in left field,” said Talya. “I think that would be awesome to see. I hope Yordan Alvarez stays healthy. He’s a once-in-a-generation player and way better than Aaron Judge. You can quote me on that.”