Why She’s Interesting: As the founding principal for Lebron James’ I Promise School, Davis makes good on her promises by helping at-risk students get a headstart on education with wraparound services. After working for Akron Public Schools for 20 years, she’s propelled the upstart academy into its second year by expanding its student body by 71% to 340 students.
Home Grown: Although Davis debated being a journalist or a teacher, it was the education field that won the Akron native over for the last 20 years, where she’s acted as everything from freshman English teacher at Central Hower High School to principal at Schumacher CLC. “Being the principal of the I Promise School is truly inspiring. If you look in any classroom, I see teachers persevering through challenges and dedicating themselves to making their students better, and that inspires me.”
Fresh Start: Every morning, Davis gets to work early around 7:45 a.m. in order to greet her students with hugs. “I hug my kids all day long — hug, fist bump, high five. But if something happens, where I have to be at a meeting, or I’m not able to be out there, I feel an emptiness.”
Guiding Light: Checking in with students and working through trauma has been a key influence in supporting the student body. “We conduct morning circles, like morning meetings, and then we do promise circles after lunch. Then we touch base at the end of the day, just to make sure that we are supporting our students socially and emotionally.”
Fan Service: In her spare time, you can find Davis curled up on the couch with her heated blanket watching the Browns game. “Oh my god, they’re killing me right now, but I am definitely committed to making sure that I find time for football in my life. I am a football fanatic.”
Three and Out:
What piece of advice would you give your teenage self?
Continue to stay focused on your purpose and walk in your truth. The path that you’re on, young lady, you’ll be truly amazed at where it will take you.
What’s one thing people don’t know about you?
I am Type A. I am always thinking of different scenarios so that I can prepare myself.
What’s your most treasured item?
It’s nothing tangible. It’s the love and compassion that I’m able to get from the students.
