Meet Sara Bana
Brief Bio
Councilwoman Sara Bana is an inspiring Oklahoman, devoted mother, fierce public interest advocate, and passionate community leader who champions civil and human rights! With a heart for public service, she embodies the spirit of dedication to her neighbors and community. Sara is a child survivor of war, she migrated to the United States with her parents and sister. As a Del City High School student, Sara's journey into civic engagement began early, diving into democracy through exciting programs, community service, and volunteering for political campaigns. After studying at Rose State College and the University of Central Oklahoma, she continued to uplift her community through educational initiatives. Sara and her life-partner, Christopher, a U.S. Air Force veteran, have made Midwest City their home for 16 wonderful years, and they joyfully welcomed their son in 2024!
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Sara is the executive director of Civic Services Community Advocacy (CSCA), a grassroots agency she founded in 2011 to support marginalized Oklahomans. Her work includes community organizing, advocacy, and policy advising, having helped thousands navigate governmental bureaucracies, access services, and secure justice. Inspired by President Obama, she emphasizes civic service as a moral duty. ​​​​​In 2014, she co-founded the Ending Violence Everywhere Coalition (EVE) and co-hosted its broadcast on KTLV, advocating for victims of violence. Since 2016, Sara has served as vice-chair of the Police and Community Trust (PACT) Initiative, promoting police accountability and community trust.​​
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For nearly 15 years, Sara has passionately advocated for Oklahomans trapped in the unconstitutional Oklahoma County Jail. Sara was a fierce champion against the unlawful housing of children in what she called a "dungeon of torture and death," highlighting systemic failures victimizing vulnerable children. Since 2021, she has been a key force with the People’s Council for Justice Reform, pushing for accountability from the Board of County Commissioners and the Jail Trust, redirecting millions of COVID and ARPA funds back to taxpayers, and demanding reform at the deadliest jail in America.
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In 2022, Sara was elected to represent Ward 5 in Midwest City, defeating an incumbent! During her term in office Sara has relentlessly represented the will of her constituents advancing community driven policy making. After decades of downfall in the NE region of Midwest City, during her short tenure Ward 5 has welcomed two new companies boosting economic development and employment opportunities. Sara is a firm believer of a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. She along with her colleagues have stood up for her community by holding slum landlords operating in Ward 5 accountable. Sara has championed against discrimination, safeguarded freedom of speech, and opposed policies and ordinances diminishing government transparency, accessibility, and accountability. She has consistently stood for fiscal responsibility and voted against increasing taxes and fees.
Since taking office, Sara has continued her impactful work as a community organizer, earning accolades in areas like: - Mental Health - Criminal Justice Reform - Civil Rights - Human Rights - Consumer Rights - Anti-Corruption & Government Accountability - Policing Reform.
