Sylvia Santana
American politician (born 1979)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sylvia Anjel Santana[1] (born November 23, 1979) is an American politician and a Democratic member of the Michigan Senate, representing the 2nd district.[2][3] She previously represented the 3rd district from 2019 to 2022. She also served in the Michigan House of Representatives from the 9th district from 2017 to 2019.[4][5]
2nd district (2023–present)
Sylvia Santana | |
|---|---|
| |
| Member of the Michigan Senate | |
| Assumed office January 1, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Morris Hood III |
| Constituency | 3rd district (2019–2023) 2nd district (2023–present) |
| Member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the 9th district | |
| In office January 1, 2017 – December 31, 2018 | |
| Preceded by | Harvey Santana |
| Succeeded by | Karen Whitsett |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 23, 1979 Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Eastern Michigan University (BS) Michigan State University (MBA) |
| Website | State Senate website Campaign website |
Early life and education
Santana was born in Cincinnati, Ohio.[3] She attended Eastern Michigan University, where she was a member of the Finance Club, majored in finance, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in business in 2007.[3][6][7] In 2022 she received her master's degree in business administration from Michigan State University.[3][8]
Early career
Before her tenure in the Michigan legislature, Santana spent over 15 years working in finance, for companies like ProsperUS Detroit/Southwest Economic Solutions, Sandler & Travis Trade Advisory Services, Inc., and Quicken Loans.[8][7]
State legislature
House of Representatives
Santana served one term in the Michigan House of Representatives, representing the 9th district, which at the time included Detroit and Dearborn.[8][9] In this role, she was a member of the CARES Task Force, which studies mental health issues in the state.[8] She was also on State House committees for the Department of Health and Human Services, Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, and Corrections.[9]
Senate
Santana is currently serving her second term in the Michigan Senate, after first being elected in 2018.[6] She was named the MIRS News Democratic Legislator of the Year in 2020.[7][10]
Personal life
Santana married fellow Michigan legislator Harvey Santana in 2003, after meeting her freshman year of college at Eastern Michigan University.[9] They live in Warrendale with their three children: Sofia, Olivia, and Samuel.[6][9] She is Catholic.[3]
Santana has been involved in a number of community projects and groups, including the creation of the neighborhood block club and as the finance director and later president of the Warrendale Community Organization.[8]