Meet Mayor Sonja A. Brown

Sonja A. Brown is a transformative leader and a trailblazer, making history as the first African American Female Mayor of Glenn Heights, Texas. Her journey into public service in Glenn Heights began in 2018, when she was elected to the Glenn Heights City Council, driven by a deep-seated commitment to community empowerment and progress.

Within fifteen months of joining the council, Councilmember Brown earned the respect and trust of her colleagues, who unanimously elected her mayor pro tem. This appointment underscored her leadership abilities and her ability to foster unity and collaboration among council members.

During her tenure as Mayor Pro Tem, Brown spearheaded numerous initiatives to enhance the well-being and prosperity of residents in Glenn Heights. Among her most notable accomplishments is establishing the city's first-ever Citizens Police Advisory Committee (CPAC), which promotes transparency, accountability, and community trust within the local police force. Additionally, she initiated The Guardian Program. This innovative program assists first responders during encounters with members of the community who have special needs, including non-verbal people or those affected by autism, Alzheimer's, dementia, or some other form of mental/intellectual disability. When seconds count in an emergency, the Guardian Program registry provides first responders with access to critical information designed to help safely care for participants or reunite families of registered participants. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Pro Tem Sonja A. Brown collaborated with Parkland Hospital to bring a critical COVID-19 vaccination clinic to Glenn Heights, ensuring residents had access to essential healthcare resources during challenging times.

Mayor Pro Tem Brown also sponsored Ordinance O-17-22, an amendment to the City’s Code of Ordinances, Section 1.02.009, "Reimbursement of Councilmembers’ Expenditures and Expenses," which passed with a 5–2 vote. This amendment was a significant step toward enhancing transparency, promoting fiscal responsibility, and ensuring greater accountability in council spending. By creating more straightforward guidelines and a more collaborative approval process, she helped reinforce public trust and encourage thoughtful stewardship of taxpayer resources.

In 2022, Brown achieved a historic victory in the mayoral race during the mid-term elections, cementing her place as a groundbreaking figure in Glenn Heights' history. Her election marked a significant milestone in the city's journey toward inclusivity and representation in local governance. Throughout her service on the Glenn Heights City Council, both as Mayor Pro Tem and as Mayor, Brown has sponsored and supported numerous ordinances and initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for all Glenn Heights residents, including infrastructure improvements, public safety programs, civic engagement, and community wellness. One of her standout quality-of-life initiatives includes efforts to bring fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as healthy eating options, to the community. Her advocacy for food equity aligns with her vision for a healthier, more vibrant Glenn Heights, where residents can thrive in every aspect of life, including infrastructure improvements, public safety programs, civic engagement, and community wellness. 

Since taking office, Mayor Brown has collaborated closely with Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett to secure over $2 million in federal funding to enhance the city's infrastructure. This significant achievement includes $500,000 to upgrade the city's emergency warning system, $400,000 dedicated to the citywide infiltration and inflow study project, and an impressive $1,105,800 allocated for a vital wastewater treatment project.

Mayor Brown has prioritized education and youth development initiatives, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to investing in the future of Glenn Heights. She has strengthened partnerships between DeSoto and Red Oak Independent School Districts. She has recognized over 50 Glenn Heights scholars with her Academic and Character Excellence (A.C.E.) Award, and she has launched initiatives such as the Black History and Hispanic Heritage Essay Contests to inspire and empower young minds while preserving and celebrating the richness of African American and Hispanic heritage. Mayor Brown’s Service, Participation, Advocacy, Responsibility, and Knowledge (S.P.A.R.K.) Ambassador Program has ignited civic pride and leadership among Glenn Heights youth, empowering them to lead community projects, engage with city government, and represent the voices of their peers. With record participation, high visibility at city events, and glowing feedback from parents and educators, the S.P.A.R.K. Ambassador Program has become a model of youth engagement in small cities, demonstrating that when you invest in young people, they invest right back into their communities.

To foster community engagement and awareness, Mayor Brown has organized events such as quarterly Town Hall Meetings to promote transparency in local governance and address the concerns and needs of residents; Movies with the Mayor to spark communication with the youngest residents of Glenn Heights; a Black History Expo to commemorate and celebrate the achievements, contributions, and cultural heritage of Black/African American individuals; a Hispanic Heritage Festival to celebrate and honor the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities; a Fall Festival to provide a fun, safe, vibrant, and inclusive environment for all residents to celebrate the spirit of autumn; and much more. Mayor Sonja A. Brown has increased community engagement exponentially through initiatives that are real, relatable, and relevant to the people of Glenn Heights. From town halls that feel like family gatherings to culturally resonant events like the Health & Wellness Symposium, the Black History Celebration, and Movies with the Mayor, her leadership has made city government more accessible, more inclusive, and more connected than ever before. Residents feel seen, heard, and valued.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to her community, Mayor Sonja A. Brown was honored as a 2023 Trailblazer by the South Dallas Business & Professional Women's Club, Inc., acknowledging her commitment to innovation, leadership, and positive change. This award celebrates her willingness to challenge the status quo, push boundaries, and make a lasting impact in her community. It honors her legacy as a visionary leader, change agent, and role model, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps and continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

In February 2024, Mayor Brown was inducted into the Ellis County African American Hall of Fame Museum and Library as the First African American Female of Glenn Heights. This honor serves as a powerful symbol of progress and inclusivity. It also honors her legacy as a role model and inspiration for future generations of leaders, particularly African American women, who may now see new possibilities and opportunities for themselves in the realm of politics and government.

In January 2025, Mayor Brown was honored for her contributions to education. She was selected by the William Julius Wilson Institute and Harlem Children’s Zone for the inaugural Mayors Neighborhood Academy cohort to advance a cradle-to-career pipeline. This initiative is designed to equip families with resources from early childhood through adulthood, breaking generational cycles and building long-term economic mobility in Glenn Heights.

Mayor Brown is an active leader who serves on several boards, including the Best Southwest Partnership (BSWP) and The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL). Her influence extends far beyond Glenn Heights and the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, making a meaningful impact at both state and national levels. Recently named President-Elect of the Texas Council of Women School Executives (TCWSE), Mayor Brown also holds a dual appointment with the National League of Cities (NLC), serving as a leader on the Council on Youth, Education, and Families, and as a member of the Small Cities Council. Her visionary leadership, unwavering dedication, and tireless advocacy continue to drive positive change, uplifting communities both locally and nationwide. Mayor Brown remains committed to addressing the issues that matter most to the residents of Glenn Heights and to cities, towns, and villages across the nation.

In the annals of history, Mayor Sonja A. Brown will forever be remembered as a trailblazer, a visionary, and a champion of the people. Her impact will resonate for generations to come, shaping Glenn Heights' destiny and inspiring positive change far beyond its borders.