About Roxanne J. Persaud

Chair of Committee on Social Services

Democrat Democrat

District 19

Senate Capitol

Roxanne Jacqueline Persaud was elected to the State Senate in November 2015 after serving in the State Assembly.  Currently, she serves as the chair of the Social Services Committee, member of the Children and Families, Cities 1, Disabilities, Labor and Transportation Committees, and Joint Senate Task Force on Opioids, Addiction & Overdose Prevention.  She is also a member of the Women's Caucus, Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic Asian Caucus and the New York State Bipartisan Pro-Choice Legislative Caucus

Before becoming a legislator, Roxanne's career was in Higher Education Administration.  In addition, she is a longtime advocate for the community.  She served as President of the 69th Precinct Community Council in Canarsie, member of Community Board 18, and Commissioner on the New York City Districting Commission.  Additionally, she was a member of the Community Action Board of the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development and Chairperson of the Neighborhood Advisory Board - District 18.  She served on organizations highlighting domestic violence, cancer awareness, and other social and health issues.  She is a graduate of the NYPD Citizens Police Academy and the New York City Office of Emergency Management-Community Emergency Response Team.

Her dedication to community involvement and her interest in helping others stretches well beyond Brooklyn.  She has traveled overseas on several occasions as a volunteer on medical and social outreach programs.  She encourages everyone to be actively involved in the community.

In the Senate, Roxanne's legislative priorities for the district include safer communities, affordable housing, funding for schools and libraries, supportive services for youth and seniors, and quality healthcare.  She continues to sponsor legislation to combat gun violence, assist small businesses, and advance a robust social service agenda.

Roxanne was born in Guyana, South America, and migrated to the United States with her parents and siblings.  She is a graduate of Pace University, from which she holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Education Administration. 

She lives in the Canarsie section of the 19th Senatorial District.