JaNayah was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. She graduated cum laude from Smith College with a B.A. in Film and Media Studies.

During her undergraduate career, JaNayah spent her time exploring the power of advocacy through documentary storytelling. She interned with independent film crews that prioritized community engagement and the advancement of social equity. Notably, JaNayah collaborated with grassroots organizations that worked to combat environmental degradation, encourage Indigenous voter enfranchisement, and disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline through restorative justice in high school education.

After graduating, JaNayah was a clerk for the 21st Judicial Circuit in St. Louis County. She worked in both the Initiation and Criminal departments before joining Division 21 as a Senior Clerk, managing the administration of civil and criminal trials.

At Georgetown Law, JaNayah is interested in exploring criminal law and prison reform. Inspired by her experiences seeing the criminal justice system impact those around her, she intends to center her career around avenues for prosecutorial reform and rehabilitative paths for returning citizens.

In her free time, JaNayah enjoys dancing ballet, reading historical nonfiction, and vegan baking.