Senator Sylvia Santana Is Empowering Michigan's Future

Source: courtesy Office of Sen. Sylvia Santana / other

In her tenure as a Michigan State Senator, Sylvia Santana has championed transformative policies that uplift women, families, and underserved communities. From co-sponsoring the Family Leave Act to spearheading the Momnibus bill package addressing maternal health disparities, Senator Santana’s legislative legacy reflects her commitment to equity and empowerment. “Health is wealth,” she says, advocating for expanded access to healthcare, dental services, and technology for marginalized populations. As she prepares to transition from the legislature, her focus remains clear: “We have to uplift one another and build a bench for the next generation of Black women leaders.”

In this exclusive interview with MadameNoire, Senator Santana discusses her impactful legislative initiatives, including maternal health advocacy and healthcare accessibility, her vision for empowering the next generation of Black women leaders, and the enduring importance of community upliftment and mentorship in politics and beyond.

MadameNoire: What inspired you to pursue a career in government and eventually become a senator?

Senator Sylvia Santana: My journey began when I came to Michigan as a college student at Eastern Michigan University in 1998. Even in high school, I knew I wanted to marry either a pastor or a politician. During my second semester of college, I met my husband, and while I didn’t know then that he would eventually run for office, we both found ourselves deeply involved in student government and advocacy.

After college, my husband and I moved to Detroit, supporting then-City Councilman Ken Cockrel, which launched us into political engagement. In 2009, my husband ran for office, serving six years in the Michigan House of Representatives. As his term ended, we sought a successor but found no takers, despite identifying strong candidates.

Meanwhile, I immersed myself in political training, completing programs like the Center for Progressive Leadership and the Michigan Political Leadership Program, which prepared me for public office. In 2015, while pregnant with my third child, a friend encouraged me to run for my husband’s seat. Though hesitant at first, I embraced the challenge, fueled by the realization that women often need encouragement to step into leadership roles. By the time I knocked on my first door, my son was eight months old, and my political journey was officially underway.

Michigan’s 2nd District State Senator Sylvia Santana speaks at the Michigan home care workers’ rally to restore union rights and demand an investment that makes it easier for seniors and people with disabilities to get the home care services they need on March 13, 2024 in Lansing, MI. (an Source: Scott Legato / Getty

MadameNoire: As someone close to terming out, how do you reflect on your contributions to shaping this political era?

One of the most important aspects of my work has always been staying connected to the community. Even while working full-time in finance, I volunteered with the Warrendale Community Association, ensuring our neighborhood had a voice with city council and the mayor’s office.

Throughout my time in the legislature, I’ve never lost sight of the needs of my district. Whether traveling to Lansing or returning home to Detroit, my focus has always been on delivering tangible results, not just attending meetings or events. I want my legacy to inspire others to believe in their potential and to create a positive impact. For instance, I hope that one day, someone will say, “Senator Santana inspired me to become a doctor,” because they saw what I achieved despite challenges.

MadameNoire: What has been the most rewarding part of your time in office, and what unfinished business do you hope your successor will address?

The work is never truly done. One of the accomplishments I’m proud of is supporting “Raise the Age” legislation, which my husband initiated during his time in office. This law ensures that young people who make mistakes aren’t permanently harmed by entering the criminal justice system.

Another priority has been advocating for returning citizens. Michigan has one in six people with a felony record, and in Detroit, it’s one in three. Reducing barriers for these individuals to reintegrate into society is critical, whether it’s access to jobs or housing. These efforts need to continue, as they are essential for Detroit and Michigan as a whole.

Michigan’s 2nd District State Senator Sylvia Santana speaks at the Michigan home care workers’ rally to restore union rights and demand an investment that makes it easier for seniors and people with disabilities to get the home care services they need on March 13, 2024 in Lansing, MI.  Source: Scott Legato / Getty

MadameNoire: In this time of socio-political recalibration, what advice would you give to young Black women aspiring to lead in politics?

Don’t give up—that’s the first piece of advice. You’re not going to win every fight every time. Through this election process, as we’ve worked to get the first woman elected to the highest office in this country, I’ve seen the disappointment on the faces of many young women, especially those voting for the first time. It’s important to have a dialogue with them and let them know it’s okay. We stand on the shoulders of so many women who came before us, including Vice President Harris. This journey will continue, and one day, we will see a woman elected to the highest office in this country.

For young women, the key is to keep learning, growing, and being a part of the process. Even small steps, like becoming a precinct delegate in your community to advocate for issues and candidates, can make a difference. Getting affiliated with professional associations within your chosen field is another great way to connect with advocacy efforts and learn how government decisions impact your profession. For example, if you’re an accountant, nurse, or in another field, these associations often work with the government on your behalf.

As a college student, consider getting involved in student government or organizations like the NAACP on campus. Even if you don’t win a position, the experience is invaluable for understanding governance and advocacy. That’s exactly how I started learning about the electoral process.

And then, especially in this age of technology, there are even more opportunities to stay engaged. Sign up for newsletters from your elected officials and attend coffee hours to hear directly from them. You can also visit the Michigan Legislature’s website to learn about the topics being discussed and the decisions being made on your behalf. These are small but impactful steps that allow you to understand what’s happening in government and make your voice heard.

MadameNoire: Share some policies or initiatives you’ve championed that specifically support Black women’s health, wealth, empowerment, and more?

Absolutely. We’ve been working on several impactful pieces of legislation. I want to highlight the Family Leave Act, which supports women in industries that don’t provide paid time off. This ensures women can care for sick family members or themselves without losing income.

Another significant initiative is the Momnibus bill package, which expands maternal health resources, particularly for women of color. It emphasizes support for doulas and midwives, who have long been critical in improving birth outcomes. Additionally, I’ve focused on increasing access to prenatal care and community resources like nurse advocates and social workers to help ensure healthy, full-term pregnancies.

During COVID-19, we addressed technology gaps by providing seniors with training and resources to support children learning remotely. We also allocated funds for home repairs and ensured access to healthcare through mobile clinics, dental units, and affordable care programs at federally qualified health centers.

Health equity has been a priority, as Black communities often face higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, and limited healthcare access. For example, I helped make it law for pharmacies to provide vaccinations, ensuring people can receive care even if they can’t visit their primary care physician.

MadameNoire: As a mother with daughters, what are your thoughts on the next generation of Black women leaders, and how can they further advance the causes you champion?

We must build a strong bench of Black women leaders across all levels of government and industries. Black women have been the backbone of political movements and communities, yet we still face disparities in wages, health outcomes, and opportunities. It’s vital to prioritize mentorship, education, and intentional support.

We need to uplift and empower one another, passing on the lessons we’ve learned to avoid repeating the same mistakes. For instance, we’ve created paid internships in government to ensure access for young Black women who can’t afford unpaid opportunities. Programs like Black Women in Michigan Politics are also essential for mentorship and fostering community.

The key is to show Black excellence and create a legacy where the next generation can thrive. We must provide guidance, share opportunities, and demonstrate unity to overcome systemic barriers.

MadameNoire: What’s next for you after your term?

I’ve been asked this a lot recently, and honestly, I’m taking it step by step, guided by faith. I still have two years left in the legislature, and my focus remains on serving my constituents and building a legacy for Black women. Whatever comes next, I hope to continue creating opportunities for greatness.

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