Cleo Powell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cleo Powell
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| Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia | |
| Assumed office August 1, 2011 |
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| Preceded by | Leroy R. Hassell Sr. |
| Judge of the Virginia Court of Appeals | |
| In office August 15, 2008 – August 1, 2011 |
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| Appointed by | Tim Kaine |
| Preceded by | LeRoy F. Millette Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Glen A. Huff |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Cleo Elaine Powell
January 12, 1957 Brunswick, Virginia, U.S. |
| Spouse | Alvin Larnell Dilworth |
| Education | University of Virginia (BA, JD) |
Cleo Elaine Powell (born January 12, 1957) is a very important judge in Virginia, United States. She serves as a justice on the Supreme Court of Virginia. This is the highest court in the state. She started her term on October 21, 2011.
Justice Powell made history. She is the first African-American woman to serve on Virginia's top court. She is also the fifth woman ever to be a justice there.
Early Life and Education
Cleo Powell was born in Brunswick County, Virginia. She went to the University of Virginia. In 1979, she earned her first degree there. She then continued her studies at the University of Virginia School of Law. In 1982, she received her law degree, called a Juris Doctor.
A Career in Law
Cleo Powell has worked as a judge at every level in Virginia. She started as a General District Court Judge. She served in Chesterfield, Virginia and Colonial Heights, Virginia. This was from 1993 to 2000.
After that, she became a Circuit Court Judge. She worked in the same areas from 2000 to 2008. Then, she moved up to the Court of Appeals of Virginia. She served there from 2008 until 2011. Finally, she became a justice on the Supreme Court of Virginia in 2011.
A Historic Judge
In 2013, Cleo Powell received a special honor. The Library of Virginia recognized her. She was named one of "Virginia Women in History". This award celebrates women who have made big contributions to Virginia. Her career shows how hard work can lead to great achievements.
See Also
