Yolanda is a Virginia Beach native and graduate of Landstown High School. Yolanda went on to graduate from The University of Virginia with a B.A. in Foreign Affairs and Sociology with a minor in African American Studies. She obtained her law degree from the Syracuse University College of Law. During law school, Yolanda was a Senator for the Student Bar Association, chair for the Diversity Committee, executive board member for the Black Law Students Association, Editor for the Journal of International Law & Commerce, a member of the Moot Court Honor Society, and a member of the school's National Trial Team.
After law school, Yolanda began her career serving the Norfolk community as a Public Defender on their Juvenile & Domestic Relations Team. As a Public Defender, Yolanda was honored by the Norfolk Public Library and African American Community Creative Series as a AACCS Class of 2021 Distinguished Award Honoree for her public service as a youth and social justice advocate.
Yolanda is very active in her community as a life-long member of First Baptist Church of Lambert's Point in Norfolk, VA, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Yolanda also enjoys mentoring middle and high school students helping them navigate their lives to pursue their passions.
