ABAYOMI AJAIYEBA WHINT (“YOMI”): A Champion for Justice and Empowerment

Yomi Ajaiyeoba Whint is more than a dedicated attorney; she is a passionate advocate for social, procedural, and restorative justice, with a career spanning over two decades in city government. Her commitment to public interest work goes beyond mere advocacy; she actively empowers and serves communities through her deep involvement in various nonprofit organizations. Yomi’s work is driven by her unwavering dedication to championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, with a focus on fostering positive environments for all.

Having migrated from Nigeria to the United States at the age of six, Yomi has a personal understanding of the challenges faced by immigrant communities. She has been a proud Brooklynite since her college years, choosing to settle in the borough she now serves with passion and dedication.

Yomi’s professional journey has been marked by significant roles in both legal and community-oriented capacities. Currently, she works in Brooklyn as a Legal Enforcement Attorney with the FDNY, where she has been employed for the past seven years. In addition to her legal work, she has played an instrumental role in FDNY’s Diversity & Inclusion initiatives, serving on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity. She also led as the President of FDNY’s first affinity group, CONNECT (Civilians Organized Network Nurturing Excellence, Community, and Trust), which focused on supporting civilian employees.

Her legal career began at the NYC Law Department as an Assistant Corporation Counsel in the Administrative Law Division. Prior to her current role at FDNY, she served as a Deputy Managing Attorney and Administrative Law Judge at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH), where she also acted as the EEO Counselor. Yomi’s extensive experience as a litigator, certified mediator, arbitrator, and Restorative Circle Keeper highlights her commitment to resolving disputes and managing conflicts with fairness and compassion.

Yomi is a proud alumna of Rutgers School of Law-Newark, where she was deeply involved in activities that promoted justice and community development. She graduated cum laude from Connecticut College, earning a B.A. with distinction in Psychology, and was honored as a Helen Lehman Buttenweiser Scholar.

Beyond her professional achievements, Yomi’s community involvement is extensive and impactful. She is an active member of several organizations, including the NAACP Brooklyn Branch, where she co-chaired the Judicial Forum subcommittee of the Civic Engagement Committee and served on the Legal Redress Committee. Her other affiliations include the Metropolitan Black Bar Association, where she serves as Co-Chair of the Judicial Training Academy, and the Asian American Bar Association of New York.

Yomi’s leadership extends to various legal and community service initiatives. She served as an arbitrator on the Brooklyn Bar Association’s Part 137 Fee Dispute Committee and Small Claims Court, led the Nigerian Lawyers Association as President, and participated in the Kings County Democratic Judicial Screening Committee. She also chaired the Association of Black Women Attorneys’ Community Service Committee and mentored young lawyers through the Practicing Attorneys for Law Students Mentoring Program.

Her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion is further evidenced by her roles with the New York State Bar Association’s Dispute Resolution Section’s Diversity Committee, NYSBA’s House of Delegates, and the Executive Council of the Conference of Bar Leaders. Additionally, Yomi serves as a Board Member of the Restorative Justice Initiative, further demonstrating her commitment to restorative practices. She has also volunteered as a mediator with the Institute for Mediation and Conflict Resolution, Inc., and provided pro bono services to organizations like Changer, Inc., the Brooklyn Bar Association’s Volunteer Lawyers Project, and InMotion, Inc.

Yomi’s thought leadership extends to published works, including a featured essay in "Conquering the Bar Exam, Insight for First Generation and Minority Law Students and Graduates," and contributions to "Connecting Through Circles: Using Circles to Support Inclusion, Establish Belonging and Build Trust."

Through her relentless dedication to community service, Yomi Ajaiyeoba Whint exemplifies the spirit of a true public servant, committed to justice, empowerment, and the betterment of society.