Janelle K. Sarauw, current Senator and strong advocate for a progressive US Virgin Islands, was re-elected to the 34th Legislature on November 3, 2020.

 

During her term in the Legislature, Senator Sarauw legislated bills which sought to promote and provide for the Territory’s youth, workforce, environment, culture and economy. Her signature legislations include the State Apprenticeship bill, Division of Festivals, Women, Children and Families Act, WAPA Management Oversight, Toxic Sunscreen ban, Gas Stations limitation, Public Service Commission expansion, and the expansion of the Pharmaceutical Assistance Program.

 

An active Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Judiciary in the 33rd Legislature, Senator Sarauw rallied for greater accountability, transparency, innovation, representation, and revenue generation.

 

Beyond legislation, Senator Sarauw has created opportunities to make an immediate impact on her beloved community -- working collaboratively with other public leaders and private entities. Recognizing the need for children to be engaged and carry-on tradition, Senator Sarauw formed the Culture Shock Mocko Jumbie troupe, a troupe dedicated to learning the art and history of the mocko jumbie. Another project the Senator holds dear to her heart is Sounds of the Virgin Isles, which aimed at showcasing and raising funds for the music and arts programs in the public schools. Sounds of the Virgin Isles has raised over $10K for the music and arts programs over its last 2 years.

 

A firm believer that it is important to be the first example of what one seeks, Senator Sarauw modeled transparency and accountability and was noted for being the only office to release financial reports, staying true to her demand for a more transparent and accountable government. Reports, bills, town halls and the overall activities of the office have been disseminated to the public via social media platforms, Press Releases, and the Senator’s website.

 

Senator Janelle K. Sarauw was born on St. Thomas U.S. Virgin Islands and is the younger of two children to Levron and Carla Sarauw. An alumna of the Charlotte Amalie High School, the Senator also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in Global Governance; Interdisciplinary Studies of Social Science with a minor in History from Florida Atlantic University and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership with a certificate in Servant Leadership from Gonzaga University. She is also a US Government Certified Grant Writer. Prior to becoming a Senator, she was an educator at the Charlotte Amalie High School, a Sports coordinator for the Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation, Chief Researcher and Special Assistant for the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and a part-time professor of Political Science at the University of the Virgin Islands. She has also sat on various boards, and as a former Division I athlete and volleyball coach, is the co-founder of Sky High Volleyball Club. Of all her titles, one of her favorites is being a culture-bearer, bringing the culture of the Virgin Islands to many as a mocko jumbie for over 20 years.

 

The Senator’s passion for service, her community, education, and excellence, combined with her leadership skills has left a positively unique mark in the 33rd Legislature and  greater motivation within her to continue the work set out before her, in the 34th Legislature. Senator Janelle K. Sarauw firmly believes that the United States Virgin Islands is ready for young, invigorating leadership and vision that will prosperously propel the Territory into the future.