Unbeknownst to many Richmonders, another “mayor” has been serving in the city other than Mayor Dwight C. Jones.

She is Shakera Kalise Vaughan. She has been the mayor of the Future Leaders Council of the Mayor’s Youth Academy since October 2014.

Shakera’s term is scheduled to expire at the end of August. The Open High School graduate then departs for her first year at Georgetown University in Washington.

As mayor, she heads the leadership council that serves as a youth advocacy program for young people ages 14 through18 who live in Richmond.

Launched by Mayor Jones in 2010, the Mayor’s Youth Academy is designed to develop leadership and workforce skills among local youths. The academy has several components, including the Future Leaders Council, which exposes young people to career possibilities, training for jobs in various fields and personal development.

Members of the leaders council previously have served in the academy’s summer programs, according to the city website. Shakera, 18, says she was “super shocked” when her peers on the council elected her as mayor.

“I was reluctant at first, but it probably is the best decision I’ve made,” she says.

The position helped her “to acclimate myself with not only leading, but also helping to make a difference,” she stated.

“I thought a youth mayor was someone who was super serious and overly tedious. But I later came to realize that a youth mayor is what you make of it,” she says. “It gave me such honor, and to this day I still can’t believe that I was elected to serve in this position.”

Shakera certainly has shown she’s a standout leader since she was accepted into the Mayor’s Youth Academy during her sophomore year at Open High School in Oregon Hill. She finished high school with a stellar 4.6 GPA.

Not surprisingly, Shakera plans to pursue a degree in government at Georgetown.

“Government is something that I naturally understand and sincerely like,” she says.

Though she’s about to end her stint as mayor, Shakera says her passion for advocacy “will never end.” Ultimately, she aspires one day to be Virginia’s Superintendent of Public Instruction to “change the school systems for the better.”

Here’s a look at this week’s youthful city leader, Shakera Kalise Vaughan:

Family: My aunt, Michelle Hopkins.

Date and place of birth: June 16 in Charlottesville.

Current place of residence: Richmond.

Family’s reaction to being elected youth mayor: My family is my biggest support system. They honestly support me in every aspect you could think of. They were immensely proud of me.

What I did to prepare for the post: I participated in the Future Leaders Program the previous year so I was at least familiar with the mission. I also wrote a really long-winded speech that was emotional and amusing at the same time.

How I think I did: Like I said earlier, I believe my work won’t ever truly be done. I tried my best to work as hard as I could and I would like to think that my efforts were perceived well.

Has this experience inspired you to consider elective office in the future and, if so, how: My ultimate goal is to be someone to help change the Richmond Public Schools for the better. I want to work the policy side of things. And who knows —I might want to be superintendent one day.

My view of the current state of politics is: I believe that politics are very important, but I think that it is sometimes utilized in ways that aren’t necessarily good.

I would describe Mayor Jones as: Someone who genuinely cares about the people in his city. He actively attempts to make decisions that will better the city.

What ideas would you implement to make Richmond a better place if you were the actual mayor: I would do something along the lines of what Mayor Jones is doing and implement an action plan to control and maybe even decrease poverty around the city.

What did you learn about how the city operates: I learned that our city is incredibly complex when it comes to policies to implement.

No. 1 suggestion for improving Richmond: Invest more in our children’s education and learning environment.

What motivates me to study: I study because I know it’s a requirement to be successful in school.

How much time I devoted to study: At least 90 minutes a day.

Most unforgettable experience during high school: When we organized the Open High School walkout (to City Hall to protest poor school building conditions in Richmond). But right behind that would definitely be prom night.

Excitement level about going to college: If there was a number larger than infinity, then that.

Teacher who influenced me the most: Mike Hasenfus, my AP government teacher.

Hobbies: Softball, volleyball, shopping, dancing, singing and following politics.

Favorite late-night snack: Pop-Tarts.

Three words that best describe me: Driven. Outgoing. Goofy.

Nobody knows that I: Am actually a crybaby.

The person who influenced me the most: My aunt who is a-m-a-z-i-n-g.

My outlook for the future: Is very optimistic. I believe that my hard work throughout life will pay off.

The book that influenced me the most: “Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher. It taught me that every interaction I have with anyone is crucial.

What I’m reading now: “Fresh off the Boat” by Eddie Huang.

My next goal: To graduate from Georgetown University with honors.