Member Bio
MsTrena Byas is a native of Tennessee and the daughter of Christopher Columbus Welch and the late Ollie Ruth Welch. She is also the granddaughter of the late Milner Centennial Walker and the late Betty Louise Birdsong. MsTrena graduated from Gallatin High School in 1987, earned an Associate of Arts degree from Southwestern Christian College in 1989, and a second Associate of Arts degree from Rose State College in 2011, where she served as an elected officer in student government. She has lived in the Oklahoma City area for almost 30 years.
MsTrena worked at the Oklahoma House of Representatives as a legislative assistant for two state representatives for eight years, served the constituents of Senate District 48 in Oklahoma City for four years, and currently serves the constituents of Senate District 16 with the Oklahoma State Senate. She has almost 20 years of service in government.
She is a graphics designer, lifestyle manager, professional organizer, project manager, and licensed notary. MsTrena is a commissioned designer for political campaigns that include judges, commissioners, state, county, and city officials, and other civic and community organizations.
She is a member of the Northeast Church of Christ, Oklahoma City Branch of the NAACP, Oklahoma Notary Public Association, the American Association of Notaries, former member of Urban League Young Professionals, former 1st Vice-President of the Central Oklahoma Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., and former regional officer as Area I Reporter and newsletter designer/editor for the national office of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.
MsTrena studied organizational management and leadership at the University of Central Oklahoma, pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Ultimately, she plans to complete her pursuant of a bachelor’s degree and then complete a master’s degree in public administration and a doctoral degree in organizational leadership.
She is a soprano soloist and has performed with the Southwestern Christian College Chorus, Northeast Church of Christ Chorus, A cappella Connection, 4-Given, and currently sings with an a cappella all-female group called “W.I.N.G.S.,” which stands for “Women In Need of God Sing.” She also performs as a solo artist on legislative, religious, and social programs, locally and nationally. MsTrena is a mentor to inner-city youth and enjoys making a positive impact in the lives of others. She enjoys traveling, working, fishing, sewing, drawing, bowling, singing, and listening to all types of music, from gospel to country and all in between. She has no children, however, has loved on many children as a foster parent. MsTrena is an African American art collector and an avid Mickey Mouse fan.