Dalvanie Powell

President
United Probation Officers Association

Since 2016 Dalvanie K. Powell has served as the first African American woman President to lead the 800+ member United Probation Officers Association. She previously held nearly every role in the union, from Delegate to Vice President.

Soon after graduating from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in 1987, she started her career with the New York City Department of Probation’s Adult Services as an Investigative Probation Officer. She later became a Supervising Probation Officer and was assigned to Bronx Family Court, where she supervised Probation Officers in various units.

In Bronx Family Court, Powell worked diligently with youth and their families to ensure her young charges made positive changes to avoid the criminal justice system. She advocated for them to be evaluated and placed in appropriate educational settings, receiving physicals and eye exams. Powell also provided escorts on trips to expose them to new opportunities, and engaged them in community service initiatives to foster an awareness about the importance of giving back. Powell spearheaded a Creative Arts Program and oversaw the creation of the “It Takes a Village” mural at the Bronx location’s conference room.

As UPOA President, Powel is working to change the direction of the union, and recognize members for their commitment to improving the lives of the youth and adults under their supervision, and empowering the city.