Meet Amanda
Amanda Swope is a native Tulsan and the Tribal Juvenile Justice Program Director for the Muscogee Nation. She is a descendant of the Osage Nation and a citizen of the Muscogee Nation and is the daughter of a veteran and a public servant. Amanda is running to represent House District 71 because she knows that Oklahomans are struggling under the weight of poor leadership. Her passion for her community and public service is matched by her desire for real change in our state. She knows that every day Oklahomans need a real advocate at the State Capitol. Amanda will fight for our working families.
Amanda is no stranger to adversity. She knows that good government can do wonderful things to really help people who need it. She grew up in a large, blended family that often relied on social assistance through Section 8 housing, accessing free and reduced lunches in the public school system, and receiving veterans benefits and tribal aid. Amanda knows the plight of a working person because she is one. She worked multiple jobs to put herself through college in the retail, banking, and service industries while also volunteering for her community.
Amanda began her career in nonprofit management as a Development Director fundraising and grant writing for social services organizations, Tulsa CARES and Iron Gate. After she received her Masters of Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma, Amanda began working at the Muscogee Nation as a Self-Governance Analyst negotiating federal compacts and identifying areas of sovereignty expansion. Today, she remains employed with her Tribe as the Tribal Juvenile Justice Program Director committed to reimagining the future of justice in Oklahoma and Indian Country. Throughout her career, Amanda has been committed to serving people in need. She hopes to continue that service in the legislature.
Amanda believes that real change is only accomplished by standing up and fighting for it. She is dedicated to securing voting rights and expanding voter access in Oklahoma. Her passion for civic engagement led her to serve as the youngest and first indigenous Chair of the Tulsa County Democratic Party. Amanda believes that representation matters. She's served on multiple diversity, equity and inclusion committees, and police advisory councils. Additionally, she has volunteered with organizations like the Community Service Council, Junior League of Tulsa, TYPROS, Junior Achievement, Little Blue House, and the Terence Crutcher Foundation.