Selvena Brooks-Powers

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (born March 1, 1983)^[1] is an American politician and community organizer serving as a member of the New York City Council from the 31st district. She assumed office on March 19, 2021.

Selvena Brooks-Powers
Member of the New York City Council from the 31st district
Incumbent
Assumed office March 19, 2021
Preceded by	Donovan Richards
Personal details
Born	(1983-03-01) March 1, 1983 (age 42)
Political party	Democratic
Education	Wilberforce University (BA) New York University (MS)
Website	City Council website

Early life and education

Brooks-Powers was raised in Queens, New York City. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from Wilberforce University and a Master of Science in global affairs from New York University.^[2]

Career

Brooks-Powers began her career as a staffer to Democratic members of the New York State Senate. She later worked on Dennis Herrera's campaign for mayor of San Francisco. In 2012 and 2013, she worked as a communications specialist for the Service Employees International Union. She also worked as a press officer in the office of the New York City Comptroller. Brooks-Powers has since worked as an independent political consultant. She was elected to the New York City Council on March 19, 2021.^[3][4][5]

The New York City Council

In April 2025, Brooks-Powers and Council woman Lynn Schulman were removed as members from the New York City Council's budget committee by New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. Speaker Adams is running for mayor of New York. Both Brooks-Powers and Schulman endorsed mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo in March 2025.^[6]