Like many young Hill hopefuls, Javonni Ayers started her political career as an intern. She began in Rep. James Clyburn’s (D-S.C.) office and went on to intern with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. Now, she is a full-time staffer after being promoted to legislative assistant for the prestigious House Committee on Ways and Means.
One notable experience of Javonni’s time interning with Clyburn’s office was when several of the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates came to South Carolina and attended her boss’s fish fry (it’s some of the best fish you will ever eat!). She got to see many of the White House hopefuls on the campaign trail, which felt like a big reunion.
As the youngest staffer on her committee, she works hard to prove herself as a dedicated team member. Her favorite advice to give young staffers trying to carve out a spot for themselves: “Move in silence and let your work speak for you.” She also strongly believes in being confident in your abilities and ignoring those who might try to sway you not to pursue your dreams.
Javonni is a Southern girl through and through, so it comes as no surprise that one of her favorite fall pastimes is watching HBCU football. Back in college, as the first two-term female SGA President at South Carolina State University, Javonni attended many games to support the students she served and fell in love with the sport.
Click here to download the CNCT app and subscribe to the Staffer Spotlight newsletter
Outside of work, she enjoys morning runs to the farmer’s market on Saturdays. After a long work week, she loves getting together with her sorority sisters and their families or unwinding on her own with crab legs, wine and a Shonda Rimes show.
Networking in D.C. can be intimidating for anyone. Javonni’s best advice comes in three steps: read the room, be respectful and be yourself. You never know who you’re talking to or their background, so be polite.
There can be a lot of shock when moving to the Hill, and Javonni had to leave her immediate family behind in South Carolina to pursue her dreams. Finding a community is the best way to overcome this initial culture shock, she says. Her church (Truth City) has become incredibly helpful in building community and making D.C. feel like home. She also connects with new friends through alumni networks and frequently attends family events with her college friends, former CBCF cohort members, and other members of the Congressional Black Associates.
If you’re a staffer new to the Hill and want to make a new friend, look no further than Javonni Ayers! You can reach out to Javonni on CNCT and schedule a time to grab a coffee.
This post was authored by CNCT staff. Do you know someone in Congress who should be our next Staffer Spotlight? Nominate them here. Want to download the CNCT app? Click here.