Sarana Purcell

Sarana G. Purcell

Community Leader | Public Servant | Coalition Builder | Advocate

Sarana G. Purcell is a dedicated community leader and public servant with 20 years of experience advancing equity, expanding access, and promoting accountability in government. A former District Leader and State Committeewoman for Brooklyn’s 43rd Assembly District, she represented the communities of Crown Heights, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, parts of Flatbush, and East Flatbush.

Throughout her career, Sarana has served in various levels of government, including the New York City Council, New York State Assembly, New York State Senate, Office of the Brooklyn Borough President, and Office of the Mayor of New York City. During her tenure as District Leader, she worked to demystify the judicial process, strengthen civic participation, and increase voter engagement and education, particularly in local and down-ballot elections.

Born in Grenada and raised in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, Sarana brings a lived understanding of the challenges facing immigrant and historically marginalized communities. Her career has consistently focused on public safety, immigrant rights, tenant protections, and improving the quality of life for New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) residents. She has held several senior leadership positions, including Director of Constituent Services, District Office Manager, and Deputy Chief of Staff. In these roles, she has worked to translate community needs into impactful policy initiatives and responsive government services.

Sarana holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Lehman College, a Master of Public Administration from Aurora University, and an Advanced Certificate in Immigration Law from the CUNY Graduate Center. She also completed the Women’s Leadership Program: Leading Teams at the Yale School of Management.

Her leadership and service have been recognized through honors including 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 recognizes the transformative power of partnerships among government agencies, community-based organizations, faith leaders, small businesses, and other stakeholders. Through collaboration, civic engagement, and community organizing, she continues to champion inclusive opportunities and responsive leadership.

As a coalition builder, community organizer, and mother, Sarana G. Purcell remains committed to building stronger communities, amplifying the voices of underserved residents, and ensuring that pathways to opportunity remain accessible to all.