The holder of a bachelor's degree in criminology from John Jay College, Shirvahna Gobin began her career as a service manager for the United Service Groups September 11th Fund. In this role, she coordinated and designed programs to improve victim services in conjunction with other social service agencies, including the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Following three years with the fund, Shirvahna Gobin was hired as director of development for The Ecologies of Learning Project, administered by the New York Theological Seminary. Through five years in this position, she oversaw programmatic research and development objectives as well as all budgetary functions. During this time, she also earned a master's degree in public administration from Baruch College.

Shirvahna Gobin later worked for the Urban League for Bergen County and, after one year, was hired to serve as director of cancer services for the American Cancer Society. Since 2013, she has worked for the New York City Department of Correction, first in the capacity of executive director of constituent services and intergovernmental affairs, and later as assistant commissioner for strategic planning. Since 2017, Ms. Gobin has held the title of deputy commissioner for strategic planning and management, a role in which she is responsible for streamlining priority projects and an aggressive reform agenda.