Today we’d like to introduce you to Sanjay Monroe.
Hi Sanjay, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
By day, I’m a scientist, and by night, I’m a DJ. Science has always been rooted in curiosity for me. I earned my degree in Laboratory Animal Science at NC A&T, which opened the door to working in biotech across the Research Triangle area. Over time, Ive gained experience in molecular diagnostics, clinical trials, assay development, and genetic cancer screening. I earned my ASCP certification as a Molecular Biology Technologist and am currently pursuing my master’s in genetics, where I hope to focus on research that better supports women and children. Giving back is important to me too, so I volunteer as a science fair judge and guest speaker to encourage young students who are curious about STEM.
Music has always been just as natural to me. My dad was a DJ, so I grew up watching him DJ. In college, I was always the one on the aux, and curating the vibe. Last year, I finally bet on myself, took a DJ course, and booked my first gig in July. From there, things took off quickly. What started as a healthy creative outlet turned into consistent bookings and even my first international performance in Sweden in January 2026.
Beyond DJing, I care deeply about community. I’m a co-founder of Noire Divinity, a collective uplifting Black women DJs in the Raleigh-Durham area, and Alt-Shift Collective, which creates safe, affirming spaces for Black and POC women and queer communities. I’m also a co-owner of Lux & Lax Housing, where we provide affordable co-living spaces in Charlotte.
At the heart of everything I do, whether I’m in the lab or behind the decks, I’m driven by impact. I want people to feel represented, empowered, and seen in every space I step into.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Working in science during a time when layoffs are common and the job market feels uncertain has been challenging and i’ve been personally affected. There have been moments where the pay didn’t reflect the workload, environments felt challenging, and it seemed like everyone was fighting for the same few roles. It forced me to confront self doubt and redefine what perseverance meant for me.
Earning my ASCP certification was another major hurdle. It was one of the hardest exams I’ve ever studied for. I failed the first time, which was humbling, but I went back, restructured my study habits, and passed on my second attempt. That experience tested my discipline and determination more than anything, and it’s something I’m incredibly proud of. Even in college, balancing academics while figuring out who I was came with its own challenges.
DJing has come with its own quiet battles. While it may look exciting from the outside, there’s a lot of unseen work behind it. I’ve had to advocate for myself, network constantly, and put myself out there in uncomfortable ways. I’ve handed out business cards at local venues and never heard back. I’ve spent late nights teaching myself the ins and outs of my DJ software beyond what I learned in class. There were moments where I questioned if I was being seen. But every setback has pushed me to sharpen my craft and keep going.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Right now, I’m a full-time master’s student in Genetics and will be graduating this summer. My academic focus is in genetic research, and I’m preparing to enter the field with a particular interest in work that supports women and children. Earning my ASCP certification as a Molecular Biology Technologist is something I’m incredibly proud of, not just because of the title, but because I had to fight for it. That moment taught me a lot about resilience.
At the same time, DJing has become a huge part of my identity. I DJ full time and specialize in House, Afrobeats, Latin, Hip-Hop, R&B, and Club Mixes. What I’m known for is my energy and my presence to make people have a good time and dance. One of my proudest moments was landing my first international DJ gig in Sweden. It felt surreal and reminded me that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. I’m also known for my fashion and style. I believe presentation is a form of art, so when I step into a space, whether it’s a lab, a venue, or an event, I show up fully as the baddest in the room.
What sets me apart is the balance. I’m a Black woman in science and in music, navigating both spaces authentically. I manage school, djing, business, and community work simultaneously. I’m also a solo traveler and have traveled to places like Singapore, Brazil, and Sweden on my own. I don’t wait for permission to live fully. I go after what I want, and I execute.
I think people are drawn to my ambition, but also my authenticity. I work hard, I dream big, and I genuinely love connecting with people. I just believe life is meant to be lived fully, and I try to embody that in everything I do.
How do you define success?
I define success as perseverance. Challenges are inevitable, but success is about how you respond to them. It’s the decision to not become a victim of your circumstances, but instead rise through them. For me, success is getting back up when something doesn’t go your way and reminding yourself that you’re capable of more than the setback in front of you.
Success is also internal. It’s being stable and grounded within yourself. It’s knowing who you are, what you want, and not shrinking to fit into spaces that weren’t built with you in mind. It’s alignment.
And most importantly, success is action. It’s not just speaking about your dreams, it’s doing the work behind them. I’ve always believed that if I want something, I’m going to move toward it. I don’t just talk about goals, I execute them. To me, success is the combination of belief, discipline, and the courage to follow through.
Pricing:
- $150 for 1 hour of DJing
- $200 for 2 hours of Djing
- $300 for 3 hours of Djing
- $400 for 4 hours of Djing
- Pricing may fluctuate if speakers will need to be provided
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/sanjaymonroe
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanjaymonroee
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sanjay.monroe
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjay-monroe/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sanjaymonroee
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/sanjay-monroe/tracks
