Ayanna Behin is the Director of Training & Conflict Consulting at New York Peace Institute. Ayanna is a certified mediator, a circle keeper, a certified conflict coach, and a lead trainer. In her role, Ayanna trains individuals, groups and organizations in key conflict resolution skills to de-escalate conflict, mediate disputes, as well as to facilitate and lead complicated conversations. Ayanna designs individualized programs for organizations and groups to address a broad range of issues that can impact day-to-day operations and morale. She also facilitates community discussions around core and sometimes controversial issues. 

Ayanna received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 1993 and her Juris Doctorate from Fordham University School of Law in 1999. Before joining New York Peace Institute, she worked as a consultant for a boutique law firm specializing in employment and copyright infringement cases, as part of the management team of a global law firm, and as a litigation associate at a midsize national firm. In addition, Ayanna is a Board Member of a Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, was President of the Community Education Council for District 13 in Brooklyn until June 2021, and has previously worked on several national campaigns at a global environmental non-profit.