Meet Will
Born and Raised in Montgomery County
Will "Yemi" Jawando was born in Montgomery County, MD to Olayinka Jawando, a Nigerian immigrant, and Kathy Jacob, a proud Kansan. Every day after school, Will spent his afternoons in Silver Spring at his mother's work, where he met many of the mentors he now calls his seven Black fathers.
President Barack Obama greets Will and his wife Michele and four-month-old Alia in the Oval Office, March 9, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
From the Obama White House to Public Service
Jawando's critically acclaimed memoir, My Seven Black Fathers was released in 2022 and offers frank reflections on his experiences with systemic racism and being a 2nd-generation American, the lessons he learned from mentors like President Obama, and his journey mending his strained relationship with his father.
Will is sworn-in as a councilmember wearing a traditional Nigerian Agbada to honor his heritage and late father.
Leading on the County Council
In 2018, Will was elected as an At-Large Montgomery County Councilmember. He represents over 1.1 million Marylanders, one-third of whom are immigrant families like his own. Will has fought to keep rents down, build more affordable housing, and create the county's first youth-employment program. In 2025, he was chosen by his peers to serve as Vice President of the Montgomery County Council.
Faith, Family, and Community
Prior to being elected, Jawando served as a civil rights attorney, advisor to U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, and Associate Director of Public Engagement in the Obama White House.
Grounded by his faith and strengthened by his family, Jawando's most important titles are father and husband. Will and his wife, Michele, are raising their four children in Montgomery County.
Ready to Join Will?
Help build the Montgomery County we all deserve — affordable, inclusive, with opportunity for everyone.