Draft:Will Jawando

Will Jawando is an American politician, lawyer, and activist who has been serving as a member of the Montgomery County Council in Maryland since 2018. Jawando is a member of the Democratic Party and has gained recognition for his advocacy for social justice, education reform, and economic development. His commitment to public service and empowering underprivileged communities has earned him a reputation as a dedicated and effective leader.

Early Life and Education

Will Jawando was born on October 29, 1982, in Silver Spring, Maryland. He is the son of Nigerian immigrants who moved to the United States in pursuit of a better life. Jawando grew up in a diverse and multicultural environment, which helped shape his outlook on social justice and civil rights issues.

Jawando attended Montgomery Blair High School, where he was an active participant in student government and community service. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics from the Catholic University of America, and later, a Juris Doctor from the Columbus School of Law.

Career

Following law school, Jawando embarked on a career in public service. He worked as a legislative aide for Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio, focusing on issues related to education and workforce development. Jawando also served as an Associate Director for the White House Office of Public Engagement during the Obama administration, where he worked to strengthen relationships between the federal government and community organizations.

In 2014, Jawando ran for the Democratic nomination for Maryland's 8th congressional district but was unsuccessful. Undeterred, he sought a position on the Montgomery County Council in 2018 and won the at-large seat, becoming one of the youngest councilmembers in the county's history.

Montgomery County Council

As a member of the Montgomery County Council, Jawando has been an outspoken advocate for affordable housing, education reform, and economic development. He has worked to increase access to early childhood education and ensure that public schools are adequately funded. He has also focused on addressing racial and socioeconomic disparities, supporting policies that promote equity and inclusion.

Some of Jawando's notable accomplishments on the council include the passage of the "Law Enforcement Trust and Transparency Act," which mandates independent investigations into police-involved deaths, and his work to create the county's first-ever Racial Equity and Social Justice Policy.

Personal Life

Will Jawando is married to Michele Jawando, an attorney and civil rights advocate. The couple has four children and resides in Silver Spring, Maryland. Jawando is an active member of his community, participating in various local organizations and mentoring programs.

External Links

Official Website: willjawando.com

Twitter: @willjawando