President
Jodi-Ann Salters is a nontraditional, first-generation law student and Jamaican woman who brings a unique perspective to legal education. She is driven by a determination to become an impactful advocate for others. She is the first mother to serve as the SBA President at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. She earned the distinguished Cali award in Tort II, Civil Procedure II, and Mastering Legal Principles I. Additionally, she was the top oralist in LWRA II. She earned student of the quarter in Fall 2022 and Fall 2023. She is also a line editor for the AJMLS Law Journal and a member of the Moot Court. She competed in the 2024 Intrastate Moot Court Competition at the State Bar.
She actively works to create inclusive spaces for students, serving previously as the Professional Wellness and Development Director of the Peer Mentor Program. In this role, she organized events to support mental health and provide opportunities for professional development. She produced a fashion show featuring student models for AJMLS Law students. During the event, a panel of four attorneys and a professor emphasized the significance of professional attire. Further, as a mentor to many students, she offers weekly guidance and encouragement, serving as a supportive big sister throughout their academic journey.
As an aspiring civil litigation attorney, she is dedicated to ensuring justice and fairness for everyone. Jodi-Ann leverages her leadership, management, and parenting skills to excel as a law student and future attorney. Her guiding philosophy in life and legal practice revolves around balancing family, fairness, consistency, passion, ethics, empathy, drive, and resilience. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends in her spare time. She is excited and honored to serve AJMLS as President with an exceptional executive board. Her goal is to display the beauty of AJMLS and remind everyone what it means to be #AJMLSProud.
Vice President
Tanner Fonjweng is a current 3L and a LexisNexis Student Representative. He is also the former Vice President of Black Law Student Association and a current member of the Advocacy Board. Tanner has completed several internships at local and nonlocal Personal Injury firms, and expects to pursue a career in civil litigation. Tanner manifested his advocacy skills during his LWRAII class and earned the Top Oralist award. During his 2L year, Tanner was a Dean’s List recipient and competed in the University of Michigan’s Interstate Moot Court Competition. As the current Vice President of Atlanta’s John Marshall Student Bar Association, Tanner is committed to enhancing the Academic and Career development for Atlanta’s John Marshall’s students.
Outside of academics, Tanner enjoys playing soccer and working out. As a former professional athlete, Tanner appreciates being a general member of the Sports and Entertainment Legal Society. Tanner is also an active member of the Gate City Bar Association and Barrister’s Society, where he continues to expand his professional network by connecting with successful attorneys.
Secretary
Bindi Patel is currently a 3L at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, where she serves as a LexisNexis Student Representative, AJMLS Student Ambassador, and participates in the Peer Mentoring Program. Admitted to law school at just 19, Bindi transitioned from a COVID-era online undergraduate experience to a traditional academic environment, overcoming various challenges along the way. During her 1L year, she received a CALI Award in Contracts II and was named to the Dean’s List in the summer of 2023. In the spring of 2024, she was elected as the SBA Secretary for the 2024-2025 academic year, where she aims to advocate for student needs and support their journey toward earning a J.D.
Initially interested in becoming a Criminal Defense Attorney, Bindi has shifted her focus to Business, Tax, and Real Estate Law. She intends to further her education by pursuing an LL.M. in Tax Law. Born and raised in Cocoa Beach, Florida, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida in Orlando. In her spare time, Bindi enjoys shopping, exploring new restaurants, and binge-watching TV shows.
As the academic year begins, Bindi extends her best wishes for a successful semester to all students and aims to provide a sense of comfort and support to everyone she meets!
Treasurer
Zy’yaire Williams is a 3L from Atlanta, Georgia. From a young age, Zy’yaire’s natural leadership abilities were evident. At the age of 9, she authored the book “Are You Ready to be Led,” a testament to her early understanding of leadership dynamics and the importance of guidance. As the oldest of six, Zy’yaire’s leadership skills were further honed through the responsibilities she shouldered at home. This early experience laid the groundwork for a series of achievements in her academic and professional journey. After graduating Summa Cum Laude from Spelman College in just three years, Zy’yaire embarked on a career dedicated to serving her community. From working for Mayor Ingraham of East Point, Georgia, to working at criminal defense and family law firms, Zy’yaire has consistently demonstrated her commitment to making a positive impact.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Zy’yaire is passionate about using her platform to inspire and uplift others. Through her TikTok series “Legal Ease,” she provides valuable insights and encouragement to aspiring and current law students alike, fostering a supportive community within the legal field. Now, as the incoming Treasurer of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, Zy’yaire plans to leverage her experience and knowledge to serve her fellow students diligently. With a commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and student advocacy, Zy’yaire aims to ensure that the needs of the student body are met to the best of her abilities.
Outside of studies, Zy’yaire enjoys spending time with family and friends and exploring nature, museums, and parks. Zy’yaire’s zest for life is matched only by her dedication to service and studies. With her boundless enthusiasm and genuine desire to make a difference, Zy’yaire is poised to leave a lasting impact on the Atlanta’s John Marshall community.
Parliamentarian
Cayla Petty is a second-year law student at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. She is striving to become a successful criminal attorney who can protect citizens from unjust sentencing. After her career as a lawyer, she hopes to obtain a judgeship or politically elected position to incite a better society. Her ultimate goal is to spread an empathetic view across the globe and create an equitable society for all.
While studying at The University of Alabama, Cayla served as the Parliamentarian of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity. She was a key member in enhancing the composition of the organization and its procedures. Cayla’s proudest achievement as a Parliamentarian was being the voice for those who are more timid or those who aren’t in the executive space. Cayla’s position as Vice President of Women Of Excellence allowed her to gain exponential networking and communication skills while teaching her how to efficiently organize and maintain a group of almost 200 students to unite and effectively serve the Tuscaloosa community. Furthermore, as Treasurer of IGNITE, Cayla gained insight into women in politics and encouraged other women to strive for greatness and sincerity. Cayla’s ultimate goal while serving as an SBA Parliamentarian is to advocate for all within our legal community and solve all concerns and desires to improve our school.
Being a military brat because of her Father being in the army, Cayla lived in 5 different states growing up, with her family finally settling in Columbia, South Carolina. She also claims Dothan, Alabama as a hometown where her parents and extended family are from, as it has been the only constant location she could always visit and call home, no matter where the army moved her and her family. In her free time, Cayla enjoys reading books and being within nature. She loves talking to people and getting to know others. If you see her around, don’t hesitate to say hi!”
ABA Representative
A native of Oakland, California, Destiny Thomas, PhD is a legal scholar, entering her third year at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. Dr. Thomas is the founder and CEO of Thrivance Group, a socially responsible, for-profit firm dedicated to enhancing the safety, health, and accessibility of public spaces and services. Thrivance Group focuses on marginalized communities, including Black, Indigenous, and transgender individuals, as well as people with Disabilities.
Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Fisk University (2006), a Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in Public Health and Non-Profit Management from Tennessee State University (2008), and a Ph.D. in Social and Cultural Anthropology from the California Institute of Integral Studies (2016), Dr. Thomas is a distinguished socio-cultural anthropologist with over 15 years of experience in developing equitable systems within governmental and non-profit sectors. In 2020, Dr. Thomas’s work was featured on ABC’s Good Morning America on a segment showcasing “Adding a New Dimension to Urban Planning.” More recently, under the executive guidance of President Joe Biden, Dr. Thomas was appointed by Secretary Buttigieg to the Advisory Committee on Transportation Equity (ACTE).
Dr. Thomas’ professional approach integrates dignity-infused community engagement, participatory governance, interdisciplinary praxis, racial equity, gender studies, and anti-displacement strategies. Dr. Thomas is recognized for her commitment to servant leadership and is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.