Ayanna previously worked at the Center for Neighborhood Engaged Research (CORNERS) at Northwestern University. Ayanna worked on evaluations of the Metropolitan Peace Academy and the Peacekeeper program, interviewing and conducting ethnographic observations to assess how participants' experiences affected outcomes related to education, employment and career trajectory, community violence, and well-being.

Ayanna graduated summa cum laude from Howard University in 2022, where they majored in psychology and minored in African American studies.

In her free time, Ayanna enjoys knitting, cooking, and exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of the city they call home.