Alana Byrd

Alana Byrd is the National Field Director at People For the American Way, where she specializes in education and civil rights policy. She has led rallies to defend education and has built out People For’s “Grandparents For Truth” program, which mobilizes grandparents and their allies to fight back against authoritarianism, bigotry, and censorship. Prior to her current role, Alana led a successful campaign in Ithaca, NY to change the face of policing in the town, and has worked extensively with People For’s Young Elected Officials Network to help YEOs enact change at the state, local, and federal levels.

Before coming to People For, Alana worked for Congressman Brendan F. Boyle for over five years in multiple capacities, including as a legislative aide and campaign aide, after which she worked for a nonprofit connecting unions and environmental groups. Alana graduated summa cum laude from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, her hometown. She now resides in New York with her partner, child, and cat. Besides education and civil rights, she is passionate about maternal health and reproductive justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and ending the overpolicing of Black and brown Americans.