Roxanne Persaud

Roxanne Persaud is a Guyanese-American politician currently serving as a member of the New York State Senate, representing the 19th district. A member of the Democratic Party, she has been in office since November 2015, following her election to succeed a former senator. Her district encompasses various neighborhoods in Brooklyn, including Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, and others. With a background in education and community service, Persaud has been actively involved in local governance and advocacy throughout her career.

Early life and career

Roxanne Persaud was born on March 1, 1966, in Guyana. She immigrated to the United States with her family during her youth, settling in Brooklyn, New York. Persaud is of Dougla heritage, which reflects her mixed Indo-Guyanese and Afro-Guyanese ancestry. This diverse background has influenced her perspective and approach to her work in public service.

Persaud pursued higher education at Pace University, where she earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Education Administration. Her academic achievements laid the foundation for her career in education, where she served as a school administrator at both Pace University and St. Francis College in Brooklyn. Her professional experience in education has informed her legislative priorities, particularly in areas related to educational policy and community development.

In addition to her work in education, Persaud has been actively engaged in her community. She participated in her local community board in Canarsie and has held positions on various boards and commissions that focus on community issues. This involvement has allowed her to build strong relationships within her district and gain insight into the needs and concerns of her constituents.

In 2015, Persaud entered the political arena when she won the Democratic nomination to succeed Alan Maisel in the New York State Assembly. Her tenure in the Assembly was brief, lasting from January to November of that year, but it marked the beginning of her political career.

Legislative service

Roxanne Persaud's legislative career took a significant turn in 2015 when she was selected by the Kings County Democratic Party to fill the vacancy left by Senator John Sampson, who resigned after being convicted of corruption. Persaud won the election that November to complete the remainder of Sampson's term, officially taking office as a state senator on November 4, 2015.

Since her election to the New York State Senate, Persaud has successfully navigated the political landscape, securing her position in subsequent elections. In 2016, she faced a primary challenge from Mercedes Narcisse, who received support from notable local figures. However, Persaud won decisively, garnering over 75% of the vote. She continued to demonstrate her electoral strength by winning re-election in the following cycles of 2018 and 2020, reinforcing her status as a prominent figure in her district.

As a member of the Senate, Persaud has been involved in various legislative initiatives and has worked on issues pertinent to her constituents. In 2019, following a shift in the Senate's majority to the Democratic Party, she was appointed Chair of the Social Services Committee. This role has positioned her to influence policy discussions and decisions related to social services, an area critical to many residents in her district.

Policy focus and district

Roxanne Persaud represents the 19th Senate District, which includes a diverse array of neighborhoods in Brooklyn, such as Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Ocean Hill, and Starrett City. This district is characterized by its multicultural population and a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds, which informs Persaud's legislative priorities.

Throughout her tenure, Persaud has focused on several key policy areas, including education, social services, and community development. Her background in education has made her a strong advocate for initiatives that aim to improve educational opportunities and resources for students in her district. She has worked to address issues such as funding for schools, access to quality education, and support for educators.

In her role as Chair of the Social Services Committee, Persaud has also prioritized policies that address the needs of vulnerable populations, including low-income families, seniors, and individuals facing economic challenges. Her commitment to social services reflects her understanding of the complexities that many residents in her district encounter, and she has sought to implement programs and policies that provide support and resources to those in need.

Persaud's legislative work is also influenced by her engagement with community organizations and local leaders. By collaborating with various stakeholders, she aims to ensure that her constituents have a voice in the legislative process and that their concerns are addressed in state policies. Her approach emphasizes the importance of community involvement and advocacy in shaping effective legislation.

In summary, Roxanne Persaud's journey from her early life in Guyana to her current role as a New York State Senator illustrates her commitment to public service and community engagement. Through her legislative work, she continues to address the needs of her diverse constituents while advocating for policies that promote education, social services, and community development.