For more information, view the District 2 Map (PDF).

Education

A native of Baton Rouge, Chauna graduated from Southern University Laboratory High School and received her Bachelor of Science degree at Southern University in Computer Science, further graduating from Southern University Graduate School with a Master’s degree in Education, Leadership, and Counseling from Southern University School. She is employed with East Baton Rouge School System.

Work History

Career employee with the East Baton Rouge Parish School System. Job assignments include Mental Health Counselor; Graduation Coach; Grants Project Manager; Interim Dean of Students; and Professional School Counselor. 

Other Qualifications

• Metropolitan Council District 2
• Department Head for the Jewel J. Newman Community Center

Accomplishments

• (JJNCC) Advisory Board, whose dedicated support of community center staff has led to enhanced services and established the center as "A Place for All"
• KaBOOM! in the amount of $15,000 towards a “Community Playground Build” Project
• Annual ExxonMobil Grant $2500
• Capital Area United Way grant in the amount of $30,000 to operate the JJNCC TeenWorkPrepBR. 
• Annual JJNCC Capital Campaign, proceeds are dedicated to increasing the quality of life for her constituents with such events as a Masquerade Ball, Back-to-School Rally, Senior Appreciation Luncheon, and much more.

Current Board Service

• Scotlandville Westminister/National Church Residences
• EBR Planning Commission

The #NBRNow Blue Ribbon Commission, appointed by Councilwoman Banks in 2016, consists of nine members, whose ultimate mission is to enrich north Baton Rouge's communities and economy through public, and private partnerships, and grass-root efforts. Two major initiatives are being pursued: bringing Champion Medical Center emergency services to Howell Place and keeping the BREC Zoo in its current location with the necessary sustainable resources to promote it as a recreation, education, and conservation destination. Sponsored the first Mardi Gras Parade in north Baton Rouge, Scotlandville Cultural District designation, etc.

• Flood recovery in the amount of $25,000 from BRAF for JJNCC computer upgrades
• Established the Jewel J. Newman Senior Center in collaboration with EBR Council on Aging. 
• $10.000 donation from EBRCOA for a giant media screen and projector at JJNCC
• Expanded food pantry and distribution in partnership with B.R. Food Bank serving Metro District 2 residents. 

Achievements

While rooted in a consistent tradition of empowering the underserved, Chauna has crafted a vision for Metro District 2 that focuses on equitable funding for blight elimination, infrastructure, and new housing construction. Creating economic opportunities for her constituent base, whose demographics are continually expanding, is a priority. She has likewise enhanced her district by increasing commercial development, experiencing a reduction in crime, and continuously advocating for healthcare access opportunities.

Jewel J. Newman Community Center Advisory Board

In 2014, Councilwoman Banks created the Jewel J. Newman Community Center (JJNCC) Advisory Board, whose dedicated support of community center staff has led to enhanced services and established the center as "A Place for All." Under her leadership, JJNCC has received increased City-Parish funding for building and grounds upgrades. The center has also been awarded several grants: The KaBOOM! in the amount of $15,000 towards a “Community Playground Build” Project; an annual ExxonMobil Grant of $2500; and just recently, the Capital Area United Way grant in the amount of $30,000 to operate the JJNCC TeenWorkPrepBR. Chauna has led efforts to increase revenues and a JJNCC Capital Campaign. Proceeds are dedicated to increasing the quality of life for her constituents with such events as a Masquerade Ball, Back-to-School Rally, Senior Appreciation Luncheon, and much more.

Her dedication and hands-on approach with residents, business leaders, public and private institutions, community groups, and other elected officials has been fundamental in changing the “status quo.”

#NBRNow Blue Ribbon Commission

The #NBRNow Blue Ribbon Commission, appointed by Councilwoman Banks in 2016, consists of nine members, whose ultimate mission is to enrich north Baton Rouge's communities and economy through public-private partnerships and grass-roots efforts. Two major initiatives are being pursued: bringing Champion Medical Center emergency services to Howell Place and keeping the BREC Zoo in its current location with the necessary sustainable resources to promote it as a recreation, education, and conservation destination.

Mission

Councilwoman Banks has made a life-long commitment to move her community forward, and will always work to foster an end to joblessness, neighborhood blight, and poor public education through using the tools of public policy, legislation, and public involvement. Her overall vision is to improve her constituents’ quality of life — regardless of race, class, gender, or socioeconomic status. She continues to believe that there is a solution to every problem and that when we work together, everybody wins. Chauna's most cherished part of life is shared with her son and daughter-in-law, Clint and Dominique; and two grandchildren, Maxwell and Charlotte.