Grow Far at JJR: Meet Ani Thompson
At the heart of JJR is our people. Without them, none of the incredible work we do is possible. That’s why we encourage them to grow and lead with us throughout their careers.
One example of an employee who has “grown far at JJR” is Ani Thompson. Learn more about her career path and the advice she has for anyone looking to develop their career without leaving their company.
JJR: What roles have you had at JJR?
Ani: My most current role is social media manager on the Market Development & Growth (MDG) Team, so I’m responsible for increasing engagement on our social media platforms, generating ideas, writing, and monitoring metrics.
I started with JJR in 2017 as a program analyst (later lead program analyst) on our VA Merit Review Support Services (MRSS) contract where I supported the VA with the intake, validation, and compliance of all peer-reviewed, merit-based proposals. Then I transitioned over to the MDG Team as a capture specialist, where I assisted with proposal writing and market research. Because communication is where I think I really shine, I came onboard to the comm side of the MDG Team as a marketing communications specialist and then this year got promoted to social media manager!
JJR: How did JJR make it possible for you to grow?
A: I felt safe to speak up for what I wanted. I had great managers who cared, listened, and remembered. My ultimate career goal was to be in marketing communications. That’s what I went to school for, but I fell into project management/analytical work and was decent at it. I never lost sight of what I wanted to do, though, and made it known to my managers that this was my real interest/passion, so when opportunity met preparation, I was ready to walk into my purpose.
JJR: What is your advice for those who are looking to grow their careers in their current company?
A: Advocate for yourself, even when you feel like you shouldn’t or feel like maybe you’re “asking for too much.” You’re probably not. As an immigrant (I was born in Panama and came to the States by way of my stepfather who served in the U.S. Navy), I didn’t see girls/women who looked like me in certain spaces, so it was hard to imagine I could even BE in certain spaces. It didn’t come naturally to speak up, and it’s something that took practice, because I’d sometimes think, “I should just be grateful I even made it this far.” And yes, gratitude is important, but that’s not to say you don’t deserve more. I’m happy to see the younger generation of Black and Brown girls have so many resources, and they’re learning early on to speak up for what they deserve.
Also, use your weekly/monthly 1:1s to discuss career goals with your manager. Join different committees, even if you work remotely (I’m based in DC)! This is how I got introduced to my current manager, and I thought, “Hmm, one day I want to work with her.” And now I am. 😊
JJR: What do you enjoy most about working at JJR?
A: So much! For starters, I love my team. I also appreciate that I have a voice people want to listen to. In previous jobs I felt like I couldn’t share ideas, or I didn’t feel empowered to. Part of that is professional growth and finding your voice, of course, but the other part is feeling like someone even cares to hear what you have to say. At JJR people care to hear your out-of-the-box ideas. They welcome it, in fact. I also appreciate that we’re not perfect at JJR, and we never claim to be. We’re constantly looking for ways to improve and be better than we were yesterday.
ABOUT JJR SOLUTIONS
Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, JJR Solutions is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business working to improve the health, well-being, and security of our communities and nation through management consulting and technology solutions. To learn more, visit www.jjrsolutions.com.
