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About Ayanna

Ayanna was born in Florida but moved with her parents to Africa when she was six years old. She lived in Nigeria and Tanzania before returning to the United States. She began performing at age fourteen at the John F. Kennedy Center and at Howard University Children's Theater. In addition, an avid Forensic speaker, she participated in numerous National Forensic League competitions in which she consistently garnered first and second prizes for her extemporaneous and dramatic speaking skills. Continuing her acting, speaking, and writing throughout high school, she received numerous awards including a four year Benjamin E. Mays Scholarship from Bates College.

After graduating with a degree in English Literature, she returned to Washington, DC to pursue her interests in the arts. In June 1993, a three-page article in the Show Section of the Washington Post featured Ayanna for her pioneering work as an African-American Art Dealer. Among the artists featured in her gallery was Simmie Knox, nationally known for his commissioned portrait of former President Bill Clinton, Thurgood Marshall, Mary McLeod Bethune, Bill Cosby and others. She represented her clients successfully both here and abroad in France and Monaco.

Putting her art career aside, she relocated to Miami, Florida where she returned to her roots as an actor. She honed her skills by studying acting at the Stella Adler Conservatory in New York, and voice at the International Academy of Voice and Stage. During this time, she performed with the Leo Casino Band in South Beach. Her love of classic jazz, its phrasing and emotions attracted her to singing. As a vocalist with the Leo Casino Band, she performed jazz standards in many South Beach venues including Jazzid. She also appeared in many videos and television commercials, most notably in Will Smith's video for the song Miami, off his album Big Willie Style.

In 2001, Ayanna set aside time to have a family, and returned to the Washington, DC where she has recently worked as a news anchor on the DC-Net promo that currently airs on Channel 16. She continues to work behind the scenes producing, writing, directing promos, PSAs and commercials for various high-level projects for the District of Columbia government.
Now residing in Alexandria, Virginia, she is working on her first book.

Of note, Ayanna's language abilities include French, Spanish, and Hebrew.

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