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 Glenn Heights journey into public service began in 2018 when she was elected to the Glenn Heights City Council, propelled by a deep-seated commitment to community empowerment and progress.

Within a mere 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 councilmembers.

During her tenure as Mayor Pro Tem, Brown spearheaded numerous initiatives to enhance the well-being and prosperity of Glenn Heights residents. Among her most notable accomplishments is establishing the city's first-ever Citizen's 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 having special needs, including persons who are non-verbal or are affected by Autism, Alzheimer's, Dementia, or some other form of mental/intellectual disability. When seconds count in an emergency, the Guardian Program registry allows first responders to have access to critical information designed to help safely 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. This ensured that residents had access to essential healthcare resources during challenging times.

In an effort to bring more transparency and controls to Council spending and, just as importantly, foster a spirit of collaboration among councilmembers, Mayor Pro Tem Brown sponsored Ordinance O-17-22, an amendment to the city's Code of Ordinances, Section 1.02.009, "Reimbursement of Councilmembers Expenditures and Expenses." It passed 5-2.  

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 towards inclusivity and representation in local governance.

 Since taking office, Mayor Brown has collaborated closely with Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett to secure over $2 million in federal funding aimed at enhancing 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 40 Glenn Heights scholars with her Academic and Character Excellence (A.C.E.) Award, and she has launched initiatives such as the Black History Essay Contest to inspire and empower young minds while preserving and celebrating African American heritage. To foster community engagement and community awareness, Mayor Brown has organized events such as quarterly HOA/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 Showcase 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.

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.

Mayor Brown also serves on several boards, including Best Southwest Partnership (BSWP), The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL), and the Texas Council of Women School Executives (TCWSE), where she is state vice president. Her impact extends beyond Glenn Heights, as evidenced by her recent appointment to lead the National League of Cities' Council on Youth, Education, and Families. Her visionary leadership, unwavering dedication, and tireless advocacy continue to inspire positive change and uplift local and national communities.

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.