Jil Littlejohn (D) for Greenville City Council, District 3
The City of Greenville is holding a special election on January 20, 2009 to fill the seat vacated by Chandra Dillard who won the SC House seat for District 23. Below is the profile for Jil Littlejohn who is running to fill the position.
Jil Littlejohn for Greenville City Council
Born and raised in inner city Atlanta, GA, Jil M. Littlejohn has lived in Greenville for six years. Jil is a Senior Accountant of Mexican Operations for World Acceptance Corporation. Jil holds a Bachelors of Arts in International Business from Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC and a Masters in Business Administration from Webster University in Greenville, SC. As an undergraduate student, she spent one year at the Universidad de Sevilla in Seville, Spain. Jil is fluent in Spanish and studied Japanese.
Jil is the Southern Regional Vice President for the National Urban League Young Professionals (NULYP). Jil has been recognized by Greenville's Best & Brightest under 35, Greenville Link Magazine's Top 50, and Greenville Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year Finalist. Ms. Littlejohn has participated in Diversity Leadership Academy, Leadership Greenville Class 32, and Connections: Women's Leadership Program. She is a member of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce – Board of Regents, Board of Governors, and she was also appointed by the Mayor of Greenville to serve on the Community Development Advisory Committee.
Currently, Jil serves as co-chair of the Young Democrats of Greenville County and as a board member of the Southeastern Institute on Women in Politics. Community involvement is second nature to Jil, as she is actively involved with Greenville Chamber affiliate PULSE, United Way, HOPE worldwide, Greenville Forward and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Jil is passionate about youth development and committed to be the change to engage and encourage young people.
Here are Ms. Littlejohn's answers to some questions posed by the Institute.
Why you, why now for this position?
Now that Chandra has been elected to the State House, the seat is vacant and it is important that we have someone who can continue her progress. We must keep moving forward and not go backward to how it was before! We have a fantastic opportunity in the world of politics to elect leaders who will bring some real-life experience to the process. I believe that with my business background – and involvement in faith and community activities, I can truly be the kind of leader District 3 needs.
What is your leadership style?
Servant leadership is my leadership style. A good leader serves others rather than others serving the leader. People watch actions not words and I prefer to lead by example.
Has there been a woman who you've admired in the political world and what is it about her that gives you courage to run the race?
There are numerous women that I admire politically. Greenville's City Council has been under the leadership of phenomenal women like Chandra Dillard, Lillian Brock-Flemming, Diane Smock, Michelle Shain, Ducky Gower, and Deb Sofield. Watching them lead gave me the courage to push forward!
How much money will you need to raise? If you were not running for office and had that amount of money where would you spend it?
At this point in the race, I would need $15,000 to ensure success. There are a lot of non-profits that are being hit hard due to cut backs in philanthropic giving. I would divide the money between a few of my favorite non-profits, The Urban League of the Upstate, YWCA, Phillis Wheatley Association, and the United Way of Greenville County.
Has political office been a life long goal/dream of yours?
I did not grow up wanting to be an elected official. I was extremely involved in the community and simply wanted a seat at the table to help get things done.
Tell us something your friends would be surprised to learn about you?
I would like to go on a Safari in South Africa within the next couple of years.
South Carolina would be a better place if only...
More women held positions as elected officials!
Your mother always said...
Never let anyone define who you are, the sky is the limit and you can fly!
For more information about Ms. Littlejohn, visit her website: www.jillittlejohn.com