Shalèt Monique (born Shalét Monique Jefferson) is an Afro-Cuban actress, stuntwoman, writer, and producer. She is best known for her breakout role as Rayah Dunham in the Netflix feature thriller Straw (2025) and her roles in television series such as HBO's We Own This City. Prior to her career in the entertainment industry, she spent over a decade working as a special education teacher.
Early life and education Monique was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and relocated to New Jersey during her childhood. She was raised in Willingboro, New Jersey, where she attended Willingboro High School and graduated in 2006.
She pursued higher education in fields dedicated to human services, earning a Bachelor's degree in Special Education and later completing a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Development.
Career
Education and community advocacy Before shifting her primary focus to the dramatic arts, Monique worked for more than ten years as a special education teacher, supporting students with neurological differences and varied learning disabilities. Even after establishing her screen career, she remained active in youth mentorship and community outreach programs targeted at children with special needs across the Philadelphia and Atlanta metro areas.
Film and television acting Monique began making professional appearances in independent features and short films around 2020. Her screen debut took place in the short project Somethin' in the Water, which earned the Best Film Shot in 24 Hours accolade at the Newark International Film Festival. In 2022, she gained broader mainstream visibility in a recurring television capacity playing an FBI agent in David Simon's critically acclaimed HBO miniseries We Own This City. That same year, she expanded into physical stunt performance with an uncredited role in Marvel Studios' Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Her mainstream breakout role occurred as the bank teller character Rayah Dunnam in the Tyler Perry-directed Netflix thriller film Straw (2025). The film achieved global streaming milestones and went on to secure a 2026 NAACP Image Award. Following the success of Straw, Monique landed the lead role in the theatrical psychological thriller film Leave (2026), starring alongside Stephen Barrington and V. Bozeman.
Production and writing In addition to her on-screen roles, Monique expanded into filmmaking by founding her own production company, Shalèt Monique Productions. Through her company, she aims to create narrative projects that feature diverse casts and explore complex social themes. She made her directorial and writing debut with the Short TV Series Jurnee's Revenge, which focused on mental health awareness in underrepresented communities.
Filmography
Film YearTitleRoleNotes2020ComplicatedChante ReavesTV Series2021Jurnee's RevengeJurnee KlineTV Series2022Black Panther: Wakanda ForeverStunt: FBI AgentStunts (uncredited)2025StrawRayah DunnnamNetflix original film2026UnrequitedHelen TroyTubi original film2026LeaveLisa HughesTheatrical leading role
Television YearTitleRoleNotes2022We Own This CityTe'anaRecurring role; 3 episodes2022BET Her Presents: The Waiting RoomMoniqueEpisode: "The Pink Fight"
References