Janey (Kim) is born in Boston.

The daughter of Clifford and Phyllis Janey, Kim Janey grows up in Roxbury and the South End, attends the New School for Children, Boston public schools, Reading High School, Greater Hartford Community College, and Smith College. She works for Parents United for Childcare and Massachusetts Advocates for Children, serves on the Boston City Council (2018-2021) and as acting mayor of Boston (20121). Janey lives at 27 Copeland Street.