The Tinu Abayomi-Paul Award
The Tinu Abayomi-Paul Award
The Tinu Abayomi-Paul Award honors the life and legacy of Tinu Abayomi-Paul, whose passing in 2024 deeply affected this community. The award memorializes her spirit of showing up for others and her deep commitment to community.
Too often, organizations fail to spotlight the abundance of remarkable people within their communities. The Tinu Ayayomi-Paul Award exists to change that: to recognize an individual who embodies the essence of Tinu.
The Nominee Committee
The award was shaped in collaboration with those closest to Tinu, who helped identify nominees reflecting her character and spirit. Tinu's family has been engaged throughout and is aware of the honor.
Dawn Marie Gibson is a Michigan-based artist and Secretary of the National Pain Advocacy Center. Her practice spans writing, mixed media and fiber arts, and hand-raising butterflies in her home.
Bibi is a Black disabled creator who runs Bibipins, a small business making disability aids in fun designs to support others.
Maelee Johnson works to build safe spaces for the disability community through the Phoenix Alliance Foundation.
This Year's Honoree: Syreeta Nolan
Nominated by Dawn Marie Gibson, Syreeta Nolan “speaks truth to power while calling communities and decision-makers into the work of disability celebration and inclusion in higher education. She does this with the joy and creativity the world needs in these difficult times.”
Honoring Tinu in this regard matters to Vilissa as a way of remembering her friend and comrade. Her impact lives on through our love and memories of her.