- Can speak Portuguese, Spanish and French.
- First runner-up on season 3 of America's Next Top Model (2003).
- Graduated from Brown University.
- Gave birth to her 1st child at age 30, a son Sankara Alafia in September 2013. Child's father is her estranged husband, Joshua Bee Alafia.
- Her ancestry includes African-American, Brazilian, West African, Cherokee Native American, and Irish. Yaya often mentioned her Brazilian ancestry during her "America's Next Top Model" (2003) run, along with her Nigerian ancestry.
- Majored in International Relations and African Studies at Brown University
- Accepted the role of Cassandra on "All My Children". (April 2008)
- Has studied with Ann Willis in New York City for several years alongside such notable actors as Adam Scarimbolo and Devin Ratray.
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