Joseph Powers

Joseph Powers is a dedicated and experienced professional who has spent over 20 years working at the intersection of education, social services, and crisis management, with a particular focus on underserved and underrepresented communities. As a credentialed Administrator and trained project manager, he leads day-to-day operations and ensures that every initiative addresses the needs of marginalized populations.

Joseph's commitment to serving these communities is rooted in his ability to take a micro and macro approach to problem-solving. On a micro level, he excels in individual case management, particularly for children requiring intensive behavioral and emotional support. His experience as a Senior Social Worker with the Orange County Social Services Agency has equipped him with the skills to navigate complex, high-stress situations, providing tailored support to individuals while also engaging families and local resources to create holistic solutions.

On a macro level, Joseph has demonstrated leadership in large-scale, systemic problem-solving. As a Crisis Response Specialist, he played a pivotal role in developing the crisis response network for the Orange County Department of Education’s ACCESS continuing education program, managing large teams and coordinating between different sectors to create sustainable, responsive systems that address both immediate crises and long-term educational needs.

His broad skill set spans HR management, personnel oversight, budgeting, and program development, ensuring that every project is executed with efficiency and alignment with organizational goals. Whether working in comprehensive schools, alternative education programs, or social services, Joseph has continuously applied his expertise to build and implement programs that serve vulnerable populations with compassion, strategic foresight, and a focus on equitable solutions.

Joseph's educational background, including a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from California State University, Fullerton, and a Master’s in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach, further strengthens his ability to address the challenges faced by underrepresented groups. His work has been marked by a strong commitment to advocacy, equity, and creating systems that not only serve individuals but also empower entire communities to thrive.

By blending micro-level empathy with macro-level strategic thinking, Joseph has consistently demonstrated his passion for advancing the well-being of underserved populations, delivering impactful solutions that uplift and sustain those who need it most.

In addition to his extensive work within local communities, Joseph Powers has also contributed on a global scale by partnering with the United Nations Civil Society to assist in the International Youth Conference. Through his efforts, he secured translation services to enable non-English-speaking participants to access the information. He helped obtain feedback to identify the value of the topics and the format in which they were presented. Joseph has presented on the importance of Mental Health and support networks for individuals in crisis and experiencing trauma. Recognizing the need for innovative, inclusive solutions, Joseph facilitated the integration of technology that allowed participants from diverse backgrounds to record their involvement and be counted. This effort not only bridged geographical and technological gaps but also empowered young people worldwide to actively participate, share their voices, and connect with a broader community of changemakers. By leveraging technology and strategic partnerships, Joseph played a key role in making the conference more accessible, impactful, and far-reaching, demonstrating his commitment to global youth empowerment and international collaboration.