Janaé Désiré

Janaé Désiré is an experienced creative producer who has worked across unscripted and narrative television & film, animation, and podcasts. Currently, Janaé is a Director, Development at UCP, Universal Content Productions — a creator-driven content studio and the home for visionary storytellers. UCP is a division of the Universal Studio Group umbrella at NBCUniversal. Janaé’s mission is to always amplify diverse and inclusive stories that will entertain and inspire culture. 

Janaé began her career in documentary film and unscripted tv working at @radical.media and ABC News All Media on docu-series such as Dean of Invention for Planet Green, 20/20 on TLC and Beyond Belief on OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network). In 2015, Janaé made a career change and transitioned to the narrative film department at Participant Media. After a few years at Participant, Janaé joined Creative Artists Agency (CAA) as an executive, and eventual agent, in the Media Finance Group working to package independent films in early stages of development.

Prior to joining UCP in 2022, Janae worked at ARRAY Filmworks, a production company founded by filmmaker Ava DuVernay that is dedicated to the amplification of images by people of color and women of all kinds. While at ARRAY, Janaé worked on a robust slate of films and series including Colin in Black and White, Home Sweet Home, Cherish the Day Season 2 and the final season of Queen Sugar. 

In addition to her experience as a producer and studio executive, Janaé is a professionally trained dancer having trained at LaGuardia High School of Music, Art and Performing Arts, The Martha Graham School and Paul Taylor Dance Company.  

Janaé is Haitian-American and a graduate of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey with a degree in Communication and a double minor in Africana Studies and Women & Gender Studies.