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Jana Swearengen-Washington
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Jana Swearengen-Washington was elected to the Memphis City Council on November 8, 2022. She currently serves as an Assistant Principal and District Curriculum Specialist in Forrest City, Arkansas for the Forrest City School District. Jana offers expertise in organizational planning, grant writing, budget overseeing, school/district partnerships, and community development. Her 30 year educational experience has afforded her opportunities to lead teams for the Memphis Shelby County Schools and Forrest City Schools District.
As a neighborhood and educational advocate, it has been her personal goal and commitment to invest and ensure that her community is represented, supported, and has effective leadership that can usher new community developments to a higher level of prosperity. Within the Greater Memphis Community, she serves in many organizations such as: Board Member of W.I.L.L.O.W. (Women in Leadership Leaning on Wisdom) and Vice-President of the Northeast Ministers Spouses Association with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Jana is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Glenview Neighborhood Association, Magnalia Castalia Neighborhood Association, Mt. Pisgah C.M.E. B. R. Danner (which promotes the cultural arts within urban communities) Melrose Alumni Association, and Democratic Women of Shelby County. She believes in being an active voice, where she serves her church, people, and advocates for all within the Greater Memphis Community.
Councilwoman Jana Swearengen-Washington’s outgoing and friendly nature allows her to embrace diversity and work well with others. As a lifelong resident of District 4 and active community member, she recognizes and genuinely appreciates the importance of embracing diversity. Jana believes being ethical, effectively utilizing community services, and building on-going partnerships with businesses, while galvanizing the support and buy-in of all stakeholders is paramount to progress.
Councilwoman Jana Swearengen-Washington model of community service started at a very young age. She worked diligently with her father, the late Circuit Court Judge James E. Swearengen, who donated generously and served meals to many homeless organizations. She worked as a volunteer at Hamilton High School for years, where her mother, Hattie Swearengen Tuggle was a music teacher for 41 years. She has had two models for leadership on the City Council, her aunt, Councilwoman Barbara Swearengen Ware, who served the council 16 years and one sister, Councilwoman Jamita E. Swearengen, who served the council for 7 years and ended her tenure as Chairman of the Memphis City Council.
Councilwoman Jana Swearengen-Washington is happily married to Dr. Reverend Robert H. Washington, Sr. They have five children within their blended family: VeAndrea Washington, Janeese Martina Swearengen Murphy (John) and James Swearengen Richey (Ebony) Robert Washington Jr., and Ana Washington. They have six grandchildren: Caleb, Durriya, Laila, John Charles III, James Greyson and Arie Jae.
Councilwoman Jana Swearengen-Washington currently serves as Chair of the Public Services, Art, Youth Initiatives, Libraries & Neighborhood Committee, Vice Chair of the Memphis Parks & Environment Committee and is the Council liaison to Memphis-Shelby County Schools and the Airport Authority Board. She aspires to connect with her roots through focusing on constituent services and fighting to the end for the needs of District 4 and the Greater Memphis Community. She pledges to be committed to District 4 and the business of the Memphis City Council