The Courageous Art of Advocation with Yolanda Chitohwa

Beyond the Portrait

We are joined by Yolanda Chitohwa, a Public Defender in New York who practices
Criminal and Family Defense. This conversation has it all. Laughs, tears, and insightful life lessons to ponder. And Matlock, Legally Blonde, and George Michael’s hit song Careless Whisper get a mention!
In this episode, Yolanda shares about her early years in Zimbabwe, how the impact of a civil war and the remnant of colonialism affects the country today, and her family’s move to Canada. Yolanda speaks on what inspired her to become a human rights lawyer and her realized dream of becoming an attorney in New York.
Yolanda muses on the criminal justice system, how compassion and empathy are values the world needs more of, and the balance that is needed to protect her emotional state when fighting for those that are in need.
We also discuss why living the best life you can is a way to honor those that cannot. How being open to the spontaneous is a worthwhile pursuit and Yolanda’s personal philosophy (and her nickname!) of YOLO.
Yolanda has found a way to hold the heavy things in this world and still find its beauty. That…is art.
Episode Resources:

• Yolanda's Instagram
• Careless Whisper by George Michael

Credits:

• Brittany's website
• Stefanie Brueckler - Graphic Design
• Juan Paolini Díaz - Video Production