Shakisha Davis is a first-generation college student born in Dillon, SC and granted the opportunity to pursue a free education with the assistance of UNCF, Bill and Melinda Gates, USAA Funds, and Wal-Mart. Ms. Davis secured over $250,000 in scholarships!  As an Inaugural Gates Millennium Scholar, Ms. Davis ventured off to the University of Georgia where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Development. With continued funding, she started graduate school at Columbus State University where she obtained her Master of Education in School Counseling.  During that time she focused her thesis on fatherless daughters, to better understand herself (as a daughter of divorce) and others whom she served. She continued her education and enrolled in Clemson University’s doctoral program in Educational Leadership for Higher Education with a specialization in Youth Development Leadership. 

 

Shakisha’s eclectic background has permitted her the opportunity to work with a culturally inclined group of professionals and students.  Ms. Davis has worked as a Counselor, College Transfer Coordinator, Educational Specialist,  and Nonprofit Leader  in both the community and higher education settings.   Her background has equipped her with the knowledge needed to modify negative behavioral  patterns;  encourage  appropriate  independence  to  promote feelings  of  competence;  and  encourage individuals  to  make  choices  within  a  reasonable  range  of  possibilities.  Being faced with many adversities during her life, her persistent attitude allowed her to stay devoted to her education while remaining a UNCF & Gates Millennium Scholar for nearly ten years.   Over the years Ms. Davis has helped hundreds of students pursue and persist in college, even when the odds were against them.  Her nonjudgmental and caring personality creates a safe environment for all regardless of their background. 

 

Over the years Ms. Davis has received many achievements which include being chosen by Independent Sector as a 2013 NGEN (Next Generation) Nonprofit Leader under the age of 40. She is a consistent advocate for youth in various cities throughout South Carolina & Georgia. She's served as Chair for SC TRiO's Student Leadership Conference. Currently, Ms. Davis is a Certified Girls Circle Facilitator and a Fatherless Daughter Advocate. She also founded her own nonprofit, STIGMA Inc. for Fatherless Daughters. In 2016 she was inducted into the National Association for Professional Women (NAPW). During her free time, Shakisha enjoys traveling, dancing, and spending time with loved ones, especially her 9-year old daughter, Sereniti, who is the joy of her life. Her presence has truly blessed Ms. Davis in more ways than one!