Ja’nese Brooks-Galathe is a New Orleans–based multidisciplinary artist and Lafayette native with 18 years of experience teaching and performing dances of the African Diaspora. Known for blending technique with cultural storytelling, she creates learning spaces that honor music, movement, and community. Ja’nese is the co-founder of AYA Designs Global, LLC, a fashion and costume design company whose award-winning work spans theater, television, and film. Affectionately known as “Mamma Jay,” she has served with Young Audiences of Louisiana since 2004 as a Teaching Artist, Arts Integration Specialist, and now Director of Professional Learning. Her most cherished role is being the mother of three beautiful daughters.