When we asked SAS Analytical Consultant Ayana Littlejohn to share her story as part of a Statistically Speaking panel, she stepped up enthusiastically – and successfully. Because we so very much enjoyed getting to hear her story, we asked her to share more about herself as part of our goal to get to know some of the Black superstars at work.
For background, Ayana is one of the 12 leaders of SAS' Black Initiatives Group (BIG), is a community activist, and a statistician. In just three years at SAS, she’s already had a big impact.
Enjoy getting to know more about Ayana Littlejohn.
Where were you born?
I was born in New Bern, NC, USA. But I call Greensboro, NC home. My dad works for the government but decided to stay in NC so that I my brother and I could attend high school uninterrupted.
What was your first job?
Technically my first job was my mother's "Pre-Calc Quiz Key Maker" but I didn't apply or even accept that role so let's go with the next role, which was Foodlion cashier.
In one word, what's the best thing about your current job?
Dynamic
Do any of your relatives work at SAS too?
Nope! I am constantly looking for Project Management roles for my finance though. He keeps my sprints organized and even runs our Scrum meetings for our upcoming wedding!
List three of your favorite hobbies.
Volunteering with youth in my community. Swimming/scuba diving. And learning a new skill!
Describe yourself in three words.
Curious - Confident - Genuine
What book are you reading?
I never read one book at a time! My current trio: 'Supreme Inequality' by Adam Cohen; 'Black Software' by Charlton D. McIlwain; and 'Children of Blood and Bone' by Tomi Adeyemi.
What is your favorite movie genre?
Crime/Action
What is the first web page you go to when you start work?
InsideSAS...I love to see the latest features!
If you could have a dinner party with five famous people, who would they be?
Michelle Obama, Angela Davis, Fred Hampton, Dr. Katherine Johnson, Joan Ruth Bader Ginsburg
What is your favorite podcast to listen to?
Transformation Church's Crazy Faith series
Name one JMP-related achievement that you're proud of.
I recently sat on a Statistically Speaking Panel! This was my first speaking engagement on the topic of Purpose Driven Analytics, a topic much aligned with my passion for analytically driven social innovation.
Name one thing most of your colleagues would be surprised to know.
I attended the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Durham, North Carolina. I've heard there are several other graduates at SAS!
Name one other person at SAS who you admire and describe why in three sentences or fewer.
Hiwot Tesfaye! Hiwot is passionate about responsible artificial intelligence and has become an integral part of the conversations around how to ensure that we responsibly build high impact solutions for our clients. As a fellow BIG leadership member, I get to consistently witness her selflessness to further our efforts to creating a more inclusive environment and I am proud to call her a friend.
This or That
Ayana prefers:
Photo of Ayana and her father, brother, and mother. “My brother and I grew up very close and remain so,” she says. “He recently graduated Law School and is now a Civil Litigator and Consultant with United Athletes Sports Agency.”Photo of Ayana and her father, brother, and mother. “My brother and I grew up very close and remain so,” she says. “He recently graduated Law School and is now a Civil Litigator and Consultant with United Athletes Sports Agency.” 
Ayana and her fiancé, Justin Ferguson. They are getting married April 10, 2021 – she says, “I couldn't be more excited to marry my best friend!”Ayana and her fiancé, Justin Ferguson. They are getting married April 10, 2021 – she says, “I couldn't be more excited to marry my best friend!” 
“I currently sit on the Board of INTech Camp for girls, an organization dedicated to educating more girls to explore technology,” says Ayana. “I absolutely LOVE volunteering with our girls!”“I currently sit on the Board of INTech Camp for girls, an organization dedicated to educating more girls to explore technology,” says Ayana. “I absolutely LOVE volunteering with our girls!”
Let us feature you in an upcoming Inside JMP Get to Know feature.
Our InsideJMP Get to Know Feature is designed for JMP employees and division friends to share information about themselves that will help others get to know them better.
If you’re willing to be featured, please go to Diana Levey’s OneDrive folder at https://sasoffice365-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/diana_levey_jmp_com/Euub82iMr35BiLNyzcGLiS8Be7... and download a copy of our Get to Know form. Simply fill out the questions and when you’re done, upload it to the folder (or send directly to Larry LaRusso), along with at least three photos of you. Thank you for helping to make our large JMP family just a little more familiar.
