Rep. Aftyn Behn grew up in Knoxville and started her advocacy career early. She attended high school in Knoxville where she was nominated to represent her high school in the Knoxville Mayor’s Youth Council in addition to achieving her Girl Scout Gold Award. Following graduation, Aftyn attended the University of Texas at Austin where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the Liberal Arts Honors and the Psychology Honors programs. In 2014, she enrolled in UT Austin’s Steve Hicks School of Social Work specializing in disability studies and public policy. In 2016, Aftyn watched the election night returns abroad where she had been working for the United Nations advocating for LGBTQIA refugees and forcibly displaced persons. Unlike many of her peers, Aftyn decided to return to Tennessee because she wanted to advocate for people at home. When she returned, the first person she met with was Rep. Gloria Johnson who helped Aftyn, like so many others, get involved with politics.
Domonica Bryan has been a dedicated advocate for the people of Knoxville, spending over 16 years working with the Department of Child Services to protect and support children across East Tennessee. Her career has been defined by a deep commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable, and she is ready to bring that same dedication to the Tennessee Legislature as a candidate for Senate District 6. Domonica’s extensive experience has equipped her with the skills and insight needed to craft legislation that truly reflects the needs of her constituents. She is a problem solver with a proven track record of navigating complex challenges and delivering results. Domonica is eager to continue her work, advocating for policies that prioritize safety, education, and opportunity for all in Knoxville and beyond.