MadameNoire Featured Video

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 …