PRESS RELEASE: Wilmington City Council Appoints Dr. Brittany C. Powell as Director of the Office of Educational Advocacy
August 10, 2026
Wilmington City Council Appoints Dr. Brittany C. Powell as Director of the Office of Educational Advocacy
To visit the Office of Educational Advocacy website, click on the link here.
Wilmington, DE – Wilmington City Council is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Brittany C. Powell, Ph.D. as the new Director of the Office of Educational Advocacy (OEA), an established office created by and at the start of the 109th Session of Wilmington City Council. The Office of Educational Advocacy represents a community-first approach to supporting students by building partnerships, connecting families to resources, elevating community voices, and fostering collaboration among organizations already serving Wilmington’s youth. Rather than duplicating the work of schools or service providers, the Office will serve as a bridge, bringing together people, resources, and ideas to help every child succeed.
Dr. Powell brings a distinguished background in education, literacy, research, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement. She earned her doctorate from the University of Delaware, where her research explored the role of community, representation, and historical Black literacy traditions in shaping meaningful learning experiences. Her work has consistently centered on the belief that literacy is a pathway to confidence, opportunity, empowerment, and lifelong success.
She is the founder of Read & Represent, a community-based literacy initiative that partners with schools and volunteers to cultivate joyful, identity-affirming reading experiences for elementary students. She also serves as co-founder of NOIR Edu, supporting educators in creating equitable, culturally responsive learning environments, and has engaged in research exploring media literacy, computational thinking, digital learning, and emerging technologies that prepare students for the future. Dr. Powell is also the author of the children’s book The Perfect Lunch, which celebrates imagination, everyday joy, and the importance of children seeing themselves reflected in the stories they read.
Council President Trippi Congo said the creation of the Office reflects City Council’s long-term commitment to investing in Wilmington’s children.
“I want to thank Dr Powell for joining our team,” said Council President Trippi Congo. “Her energy and devotion to our City children is second to none. I’m looking forward to how she, along with our community will advocate for students, their families and teachers to make sure Wilmington will one day be an education destination”
At-Large Council Member Latisha Bracy, and Chair of the Education, Youth & Family Services Committee, who championed the establishment of the Office of Educational Advocacy, said the appointment marks an important milestone for the City.
“I am looking forward to working closely with Dr. Powell to ensure that Wilmington’s children and families are connected to the myriad resources that already exist as well as addressing the gaps that exist throughout a child’s education experience,” said At-Large Council Member Latisha Bracy.
At-Large Council Member and Vice Chair of the Education, Youth & Family Services Committee, Alexander D. Hackett, said the Office will help create stronger relationships between families and the organizations that serve them.
“Congratulations to Dr. Powell on her appointment as Director of the Office of Educational Advocacy,” said At-Large Council Member Alexander D. Hackett. “Her leadership and dedication to advancing educational opportunities will be a tremendous asset to our city. I look forward to working together to ensure every child and family has the support they need to succeed.”
As Director, Dr. Powell will lead City Council’s efforts to strengthen communication and collaboration among families, schools, nonprofit organizations, faith-based institutions, educators, youth-serving organizations, civic associations, and government agencies. The Office will organize community listening sessions, family engagement events, neighborhood conversations, and stakeholder partnerships designed to identify barriers, connect families with existing resources, and strengthen educational opportunities across Wilmington.
The Office will also serve as a visible presence throughout Wilmington’s neighborhoods, partnering with Council Members to host district-based education initiatives, support family engagement, provide education-related public information, and elevate the voices of parents and students in conversations about educational success.
“It is an incredible honor to step into the role of Director of Educational Advocacy,” said Dr. Powell. “What excites me most is the opportunity to bring people together around a shared belief: that every child deserves a village. Education doesn’t begin and end in our schools; it is strengthened by families, community, and meaningful partnerships. I look forward to working alongside our community to build stronger connections, expand opportunities, and ensure every student and family has the support they need to thrive.”
By creating stronger partnerships and improving access to existing resources, Wilmington City Council believes the Office of Educational Advocacy will help build a more connected educational ecosystem where families are empowered, organizations collaborate effectively, and every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Office of Educational Advocacy Website Links
About the Office of Educational Advocacy (OEA)
Meet the OEA Director
Get Connected with the OEA
OEA FAQ’s
Wilmington Education Feedback Survey
###
MEDIA CONTACT:Yesenia TaverasDirector of Communications, Wilmington City CouncilOffice: (302)576-2585
Mobile: (302)757-5748Email: ytaveras@wilmingtonde.govCity Council Website: www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com