Nana Carmen Ashhurst is one of Inyani’s Principal Producers. Nana has led a remarkable career. She joined Rush Artist Management in the mid-1980’s as a publicist's assistant and, within one and one-half years, rose to become the first President of Def Jam Recordings and Rush Communications. During her tenure as President she completely reorganized the somewhat chaotic entrepreneurial enterprise and put it on a professional corporate structural footing. Accordingly, she was named one of Ebony Magazine’s “One Hundred Most Promising Black Women in Corporate America”.

Nana further is the proud recipient of the Black Radio Exclusive President’s Award.

A modern day renaissance woman, Nana has embraced multiple professions that have taken her from media producer and producer of the Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam, to development specialist, minister and activist. She broke such artists as LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Bernie Mac amongst others.

Before entering the entertainment industry, she served as a consultant to the People’s Revolutionary Government of Grenada, led by Prime Minister Maurice Bishop, establishing the country’s first television station. She subsequently wrote and directed the film “Grenada: The Future Coming Towards Us,” documenting the aspirations, accomplishments and challenges of the Grenada Revolution.

Nana has also been deeply engaged in social change philanthropy, as Executive Director of The Film Fund and most recently as a major gifts fundraiser for Sarah Lawrence College.

She is presently the Chair Emerita of the Universal Hip Hop Museum. She has also served on the boards of South Africa Partners, Firelight Media, and the advisory boards of the Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music at New York University and Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, GA. 

A passionate supporter of social justice and media images that support it, Nana is turning a new chapter in her vibrant career by advocating for the personal power and freedom that comes with the upkeep of one’s mental health.  

As an ordained minister for the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Nana uses her powerful testimony of going through the fire of depression to inspire hope in others. She feels her story is of particular importance to both high achieving women and those looking for support within the church.    

Nana holds a BA from MacMurray College, and a MA from Boston University.