Sarana Purcell

Coalition Builder, Community Organizer, and Collaborator in Brooklyn, NY

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Sarana G. Purcell is a dedicated community leader and public servant with over 16 years of experience advancing equity, access, and accountability in government. A former female District Leader and State Committeewoman for Brooklyn’s 43rd Assembly District, she represented the neighborhoods of Crown Heights, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, parts of Flatbush, and East Flatbush,

Throughout her career, Sarana has served at various level government, including the New York City Council, New York State Assembly, New York State Senate, Office of the Brooklyn Borough President, and the Office of the Mayor. As an original member of the AOH Judiciary Committee of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, she has worked to demystify the judicial process and strengthen voter engagement, particularly in local and down-ballot elections.

Born in Grenada and raised in Crown Heights, Sarana brings a lived understanding of the challenges facing immigrant and marginalized communities. Earlier in her career her work has consistently focused on public safety, immigrants right, tenant protections, and improving access and quality of life for NYCHA residents. She has held senior leadership roles including Director of Constituent Services, District Office Manager, and Deputy Chief of Staff, where she translated community needs into effective policy and responsive governance.

She holds a BA in Political Science from Lehman College, an Advanced Certificate in Immigration Law from the CUNY Graduate Center, and a certificate from the Women’s Leadership Program: Leading Teams at Yale School of Management. Her leadership has been recognized with the Brooklyn Women Power Award, the Caribbean Impact Award, and citations from the New York State Assembly and the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office. In 2024, she proudly served as a presidential delegate representing New York’s 9th Congressional District at the Democratic National Convention.

A strong advocate for coalition building, Sarana understands the transformative power of partnerships between government, community organizations, clergy, small businesses, and other stakeholders. As a community leader, organizer, and mother, she is committed to ensuring that pathways to opportunity remain accessible to all.

  • Work
    • Public Servant
  • Education
    • Lehman College CUNY
Endorsements
Sarana Purcell has over 15 years of experience in government, and has been instrumental in many progressive initiatives that have provided services and access to resources to New Yorkers, especially those within the 43rd Assembly District. Sarana is a Mother, Advocate and a positive example of Leadership. Rise and Roar/Women's March NYC is proud, grateful and thrilled to endorse Sarana Purcell for her Re-election as District Leader of the 43rd Assembly District.
Rise and Roar NYC/Women's March NYC
Sarana Purcell has a long history of working with NYPAN and many other progressive organizations and community members to bring positive change, transparency and engagement within her District and throughout New York City. She is a founding member of NYPAN central Brooklyn chapter and we are proud to endorse her campaign as seek to serve the residents in 43rd Assembly District."
New York Progressive Action Network, NYPAN
Sarana Purcell is a community organizer, who has always put her community first and the people she serve first. She has the experience and the compassion it takes to get the job done. She meets people where there are and is passionate about helping our most underserved communities.
Former District Leader for the 43rd Shirley Patterson
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