Ja'Naea Modest

When people see me behind the turntables today—teaching at universities, spinning at events, and mentoring the next generation of DJs—they often assume I’ve always had it all figured out. The truth is, my journey began with a crash—literally. After a motorcycle accident left me at a crossroads, a friend suggested I invest my settlement money in something I truly loved. I’d always been passionate about music, so I took a leap of faith and started DJing. What began as a form of healing quickly evolved into my life’s calling. I started out performing with a band called Prince Night, but it didn’t take long for me to realize how rare it was to see women—especially women of color—behind the decks. I faced more than a few closed doors and dismissive attitudes from male DJs, but that only fueled my determination. With early mentorship from DJ Dake and a lot of self-teaching, I learned to build my own lane in the industry. That drive eventually led me to create a DJ camp for young girls and diverse youth. I wanted to ensure others didn’t have to navigate the same uphill battles alone. Using my own equipment and a grant from Urbana’s Arts Committee, I built a hands-on program where kids could learn to mix, scratch, and express themselves through music. Five years later, the camp continues to thrive—empowering young artists to find their rhythm and confidence. In 2023, I was honored to be named one of the 40 Under 40 Business Women of the Year, a milestone that reminded me just how far I’ve come since that hospital bed years ago. Yet my greatest achievement isn’t an award—it’s watching my four children continue the legacy. One of them is now the head DJ at Alabama State University while pursuing a doctorate. And for the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as an adjunct professor at the University of Chicago, sharing my experience and passion with the next generation of creative minds.

My advice to young women entering this industry is simple but powerful: don’t wait for permission. If you have a dream, go after it—no one is going to hand you the opportunity. I learned early on that waiting for validation will only hold you back. Start where you are, with what you have, and build from there. Every successful DJ, entrepreneur, or artist began with a single step and a little bit of faith. And just as important—learn through the struggle. The tough moments, the rejections, the mistakes, and the slow nights are your greatest teachers. I used to see setbacks as failures, but now I recognize them as lessons that refine your craft and strengthen your spirit. Growth rarely happens without friction, and every challenge you face will prepare you for the next stage of your journey.

One of the biggest challenges in my field has always been breaking into a male-dominated industry. When I first started DJing, it wasn’t easy being one of the few women behind the turntables—especially in spaces where many of the men weren’t eager to share their knowledge or connections. I had to learn much of what I know through trial and error, often feeling isolated in the process. But those experiences made me stronger, more resourceful, and deeply committed to creating opportunities for other women and underrepresented voices in music. Another ongoing challenge—and opportunity—is staying true to myself while continuing to evolve. As my career grows, there’s constant pressure to adapt: to trends, expectations, and ideas about what a “successful DJ” should look like. My focus has been on learning how to evolve without losing the essence of who I am. I remind myself often that authenticity isn’t just my brand—it’s my greatest strength.

The values that guide me—both in my work and in my personal life—are resilience, empowerment, community, authenticity, and legacy. Resilience is at the core of everything I do. Life doesn’t always go according to plan—sometimes it crashes right in front of you. My accident could have ended my story, but instead, it became the turning point that defined it. I believe in rising, rebuilding, and reinventing yourself no matter how hard the fall. Empowerment is another driving force for me. Music gave me my power back, and now I’m passionate about helping others find theirs. Through my DJ camp and teaching, I make sure young girls and underrepresented youth have the tools, confidence, and opportunities to step up to the turntables and own their sound. Everything I do is grounded in community. Whether I’m teaching at Street College, volunteering at the Junior Detention Center, or performing at local events, my goal is to build connections and create space for everyone to shine. Above all, I value authenticity. Success isn’t about fitting in—it’s about standing out. Staying true to my story, my sound, and my purpose allows me to connect with people in a way that perfection never could. And ultimately, it all comes down to legacy—seeing my children and students thrive, passing the torch, and keeping the culture alive. My mission isn’t just to spin music—it’s to spin possibility for those who come next.