Councilmember Dana Watson

Elected to City Council, November 2021
Elected Mayor Pro Tem, August 2021
Appointed to City Council, August 2020

Contact
(517) 214-8902
dwatson@cityofeastlansing.com

Personal
Came to Michigan to attend MSU. She has lived in the Midwest her whole life and is originally from the south Chicago suburbs (Chicago Heights). Dana is a co-parent of three kids. She also has two cats, loves being physically active and going to various festivals.

Education
Michigan State University, BA in Communications with a concentration in interpersonal and organizational communication as well as an emphasis in social sciences.

 Walden University, M.S. in Human and Social Services with a concentration in "Conflict Management & Negotiation."

Previous Service on Boards and Commissions 
Former member of the East Lansing Planning Commission
Former member of the East Lansing Community Development Advisory for CDBG and Human Services Funds
Former member of the East Lansing Human Relations Commission
 
Boards and Commissions - Current Council Liaison Appointments
Housing Commission
Human Rights Commission
Parking Task Force
Police Oversight Commission
Transportation Commission
Capital Area Transportation Authority
Capital Area Michigan Works
EL/Meridian Quarterly
Lansing Economic Area Partnership
Council of Neighborhood Presidents

Professional Activities
Health Educator in the Maternal Child Health Division at Ingham County Health Department
Davies Project, Board Member 
Capital Area Housing Partnership, Board of Directors 
Health Equity and Social Justice Initiatives

Community/Other Activities
Dana is a member of equity teams in ELPS. Dana is a community activist for social change and participates in several causes throughout the year.  She plays rec beach volleyball in the summer, likes incorporating yoga and walk/jogs for health and stress relief. She crochets (lines), plays music and does Sudoku at her leisure. 

Awards
Fundamentals of Facilitation for Racial Justice Work, Certificate of Completion
Health Equity and Social Justice Champion Award, 2018
City of East Lansing Emerging Leaders Graduate, 2019