Dawnna “Ashay” Mathieu is no stranger to the stage. A major focus of Ashay’s literary work is writing poetry and narratives reflecting the diversity of the African Diaspora experience. Her gift for writing was discovered in the 10th grade, upon receiving encouragement and praise from her teachers to attend college.

As an adult, she met her writing mentor, Hiram Sims, who helped her cultivate her creative writing skills. She completed a rigorous creative writing course with the Community Literature Initiative, a nonprofit institute for Los Angeles community writers.  She continues to maintain strong faith and service by singing and reciting poetry in  the Black church.