Jinmi Odunlami

Jinmi Odunlami is a cross-disciplinary strategist focused on leveraging the principles of effective political advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and legislative affairs to advance access to equity-rooted programs and policies that expand access to resources and representation for the most socially insecure and marginalized peoples. 

A proud resident of the Old-Line state, Jinmi was raised in Lincoln Park, Maryland—one of Montgomery County’s oldest historically Black communities, founded in the late 1890s. Nestled within the heart of Rockville, MD, Lincoln Park has thrived as a breadbasket of civic pride and heritage. Built by freed African Americans who sought self-determination, its culture of unity, advocacy, and resilience defines many parts of Jinmi’s life. Inspired by the stories of his neighbors and the actions of his family, who actively contribute to the civic life of Rockville, Jinmi seeks to build upon a legacy of selfless service. 

He graduated from Richard Montgomery High School and subsequently received his B.A. in political science from Morgan State University. While at Morgan, he led and participated in a myriad of civic-leaning organizations that brought voter registration drives, political town halls, and professional development workshops to the academic yard. 

In recent years, Jinmi Odunlami has emerged as an active participant in congressional and legislative advocacy on Capitol Hill. Working in legislative, stakeholder management, and policy development, he has fostered skills that have molded effective advocacy campaigns with congressional offices, federal agencies, and trade associations. Ultimately, he draws the most from his time in civil service in the United States Senate, where he aided and advanced the interests of Marylanders. 

Now focused on pursuing passion-aligned ventures, Jinmi rejoins the Fund, bringing his commitment to advocacy and the knowledge gained from his time in Washington to the organization’s mission. Leveraging his experience in civic engagement in public policy, Jinmi seeks to amplify the Fund's impact.