Following her election in 2017, Councilmember Santana was the first Latina member of Cleveland City Council. Born and raised in Ward 14, Councilmember Santana is a product of the neighborhoods she now serves. Prior to running for office, Councilmember Santana advocated for women’s access to healthcare, especially in scenarios where cultural or language differences acted as a barrier to such access. After a visit to Washington D.C. with the Hispanic Alliance, Councilmember Santana was inspired to seek a position in which she could enact legislative change, therefore motivating her to run for Cleveland City Council. 

Seeking re-election, Councilmember Santana intends to start right where she left off by continuing to expand homeownership, support small, local businesses, and foster economic growth. She is also focused on providing for the families of Ward 14 by bettering local infrastructure, introducing new green spaces, and developing educational youth programs. Overall, Councilmember Santana’s personal, lifelong connection to Ward 14 is her greatest motivator when advocating for the needs of her community. She will continue to be a strong advocate for Matriots values on council.