Senator Sylvia Santana represents Michigan's 2nd Senate District, which includes parts of Detroit. Born on November 23, 1979, in Cincinnati, Ohio, she is a dedicated public servant, wife to Harvey Santana , and mother of three children: Sofia, Olivia, and Samuel. A Catholic residing in Detroit's Warrendale neighborhood, she has championed criminal justice reform for adults and juveniles, increased funding for public schools and local governments, and policies to reduce racial disparities in health outcomes, with a focus on equity for women of color in business and healthcare. In 2020, she was named Democratic Legislator of the Year by MIRS News for her contributions.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University ; MBA from Michigan State University's Broad College of Business .
• Political Experience: Served one term in the Michigan House of Representatives for the 9th District , where she participated in the CARES Task Force on mental health and served on committees for Health and Human Services and Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Elected to the Michigan Senate in 2018 for the 3rd District ; now in her second term representing the 2nd District .