LeadForward Leadership Development Program: Rise. Lead. Inspire.

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Mr. Oscar Miranda has served in various roles in both El Paso County, Texas, and Maricopa County, Arizona, and has over 30 years of experience in juvenile probation. A graduate of Park University (El Paso, Texas) with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, He is deeply committed to rehabilitation and second chances for justice-involved youth. Beginning as a Juvenile Corrections Officer in 1995, he progressed through multiple roles in El Paso County, including Supervisor-Team Leader, Intensive Juvenile Probation Officer for the Serious and Habitual Offender Comprehensive Action Program (SHOCAP), and Interim Supervisor for SHOCAP. Notably, Mr. Miranda was the first probation officer from El Paso County to receive the Texas Gang Investigator’s Association Probation Officer of the Year Award in 2015. Mr. Miranda retired from El Paso County Juvenile Probation Department in 2016. Mr. Miranda was hired with Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Department in 2017. He has continued his leadership journey, becoming a Probation Officer Supervisor in 2021. With a passion for mentorship, he strives to guide new officers, helping them learn from past experiences and advance in their careers. Mr. Miranda has become a mentor to various probation officers. On August 2025, Mr. Miranda was a presenter at the 50th Annual APPA Conference in New York City, in the topic of Gun Safety (Project SAFE).

Mr. Powell was born and raised in East St. Louis, Illinois. Earlier in his career, Mr. Powell led the prevention/community outreach department as Director of Business Development for Touchstone Behavioral Health, managing multi-million-dollar grants and forging strategic partnerships with schools, government agencies, and community organizations. He designed and created programs, such as Leadership Development, prevention and intervention, and entry/re-entry programs. His work has always focused on evidence- and trauma-based practices to strengthen systems, elevate staff, and create lasting impact for young people/families. He is deeply committed to mentorship and community engagement. After playing collegiate football for the University of Nebraska, he coached high school and semi-professional sports. He trained educators and leaders in youth development, actively participating in civic and professional organizations, including Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., where he’s been a member for 36 years. Every initiative he leads is guided by his belief that with the right support, collaboration, and leadership, young people can rise above their circumstances. With over 34 years of leadership experience in juvenile justice, behavioral health, education, and social services, Mr. Powell has dedicated his career to improving outcomes for those most in need. He currently serves as a Juvenile Probation Officer Supervisor in Maricopa County, Arizona, providing leadership to staff, ensuring compliance with court mandates while mentoring teams to achieve excellence.