Selvena N. Brooks-Powers
Early Life & Education
Selvena N. Brooks-Powers is a lifelong resident of Southeast Queens, New York City. She is the proud daughter of immigrant parents who taught her the values of hard work, dedication, and service to the community. Growing up in a culturally rich area of Queens, she was inspired by the strong sense of resilience and unity that defines Caribbean and African-American communities.
She attended Wilberforce University, one of the nation’s most respected historically Black universities, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. She later completed a Master of Science in Global Affairs at New York University, further developing her passion for social justice, policy, and community empowerment.
Career & Community Engagement
Selvena’s career reflects her lifelong dedication to equity, advocacy, and empowerment. She began her journey volunteering as a teen with the New York City Public Advocate’s Office and later served in the New York State Senate. Her early experiences opened the door to a career focused on uplifting working families and advancing economic opportunities for minority communities.
She went on to serve in the labor movement as a communications strategist and campaign organizer with Service Employees International Union (SEIU), where she helped advocate for fair wages and better working conditions through initiatives such as the “Fight for $15” campaign.
Before her election to public office, Selvena served as the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Compliance Project Manager and led Community and External Affairs for the $13 billion redevelopment program at John F. Kennedy International Airport. She worked to ensure that minority and women-owned businesses had fair access to contracting and employment opportunities within one of New York City’s largest infrastructure projects.
Her commitment to youth and community development has been consistent throughout her career. She has served as an advisor to the NAACP Jamaica Youth Branch, on the board of Martin de Porres Youth & Family Services, and in leadership roles in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Elected Office
In March 2021, Selvena Brooks-Powers was elected to the New York City Council representing the 31st District, which includes Arverne, Brookville, Edgemere, Far Rockaway, Laurelton, Rosedale, and Springfield Gardens.
She made history as the first Black woman to serve as the Majority Whip of the New York City Council. As Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, she has been a strong advocate for transportation equity, mobility access, and sustainable investment in historically underserved neighborhoods.
She has championed infrastructure improvements for Southeast Queens and the Rockaway Peninsula, securing millions of dollars in funding for community projects, including the restoration of the 116th Precinct and enhanced transit and roadway systems that improve residents’ quality of life.
Focus & Impact
Selvena’s work centers on creating equitable systems that empower working families, promote sustainable infrastructure, and expand opportunities for the next generation. Her priorities include:
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Transportation Equity: Advocating for better public transit, safer streets, and improved infrastructure in areas often described as “transportation deserts.”
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Economic Empowerment: Promoting minority- and women-owned business growth, fair wages, and equal access to city contracting.
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Youth & Community Development: Supporting youth employment initiatives such as “Operation Everyone Works,” anti-violence campaigns like “Operation SNUG,” and programs that help homeowners prevent foreclosure.
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Public Service & Resiliency: Leading initiatives that address disaster preparedness and community rebuilding, including support efforts for displaced families after major crises such as Hurricane Katrina.
Connection to the Jamrock Museum
Selvena Brooks-Powers’ life and career represent the heart of the Caribbean and African diaspora experience in New York City—resilience, progress, and community uplift. Her leadership resonates deeply with the mission of the Jamrock Museum, which celebrates the cultural and social contributions of Jamaica and the wider Caribbean to the world.
As a proud representative of Southeast Queens, a borough rich with Caribbean heritage, she continues to be a voice for equity, empowerment, and inclusion. Her work exemplifies how cultural identity and civic responsibility intertwine to shape stronger, more vibrant communities.
Bio Summary for Jamrock Museum Exhibit
Selvena N. Brooks-Powers is a visionary leader and lifelong advocate for the people of Southeast Queens. As the first Black woman to serve as Majority Whip of the New York City Council, she has fought for equity in infrastructure, transportation, and opportunity for all New Yorkers.
Born to immigrant parents and educated at Wilberforce University and New York University, Brooks-Powers began her career in government and labor organizing before transitioning into leadership in public service. Her advocacy has improved the lives of working families, created economic pathways for women and minorities, and inspired the next generation of community leaders.
Her story reflects the spirit of resilience and empowerment that the Jamrock Museum seeks to celebrate—the story of a woman rooted in diaspora heritage who turned her passion for justice into tangible change. Through her leadership, she bridges culture, community, and progress, embodying the essence of modern Caribbean-American excellence.
