Influential Woman · Nonprofit

Davina Jones

Executive Director Founder, Couture Cares

Memphis, TN

Her Story

About Davina

I've been in the nonprofit industry for 12 years, and it wasn't something I originally planned - my plan was not God's plan, and it happened, and it's been going since then. Before founding Couture Cares, I was in the event planning industry for over 16 years. I've always been a server, volunteering, and that was a part of what I did, who I am. It was more of a passion, and the passion turned into actually founding and developing the nonprofit. We're now in 4 cities, and our humanitarian spirit and dedication to service has continued to make a lasting impact. We're standing in the gap for those who may possibly endure financial hardships within the programs that we offer. One of our main programs is our signature event called Her Prom Closet Giveaway Experience, where we give away prom dresses. Year-to-date, we've given away over 7,000 dresses to young ladies, high school girls in 11th and 12th grade in 4 cities. The dresses are donated from different boutiques, different designers, and we have dress drives with our community partners like Chick-fil-A. We also have a charity golf tournament every year called Research for a Cure, and we give back to MD Anderson Cancer Center to continue to do research for lung cancer, which is what my mother passed from, so the golf tournament is in honor of her. We also do a free cooking class called The Floating Kitchen for kids, not only in Memphis but across the United States. We do a lot of humanitarian and philanthropy throughout our organization. We've impacted thousands of lives through our initiatives focused on confidence, education, and community support.

Quick Facts

IndustryNonprofit
Based inMemphis, TN
Specialty Nonprofit, Event Planning, Community Service
- Youth Programs
- Philanthropic Initiatives
Volunteers with Couture Cares - Her Prom Closet Giveaway Experience (providing free prom dresses to high school girls
- Over 7
- 000 dresses given to date)
- Research for a Cure charity golf tournament (supporting MD Anderson Cancer Center for lung cancer research
- In honor of her mother)
- The Floating Kitchen (free cooking classes for kids across the United States)

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Davina

01What do you attribute your success to?

I would definitely say my faith, our consistency, my compassion for others, and the desire to create opportunities that positively impact lives. Building meaningful relationships and staying committed to service has been key. I've learned that in order to continue pouring into others, I have to make time to pour back into myself. I replenish my cup by taking time to rest and reconnect with my purpose. Seeing the impact on the lives of others and spending time with my loved ones and remembering why I started keeps me motivated and fulfilled throughout the years.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Never lose sight of who I am and my purpose, and why am I here to do the things that I do. That's what I've been called to do, honestly. This advice has resonated with me because it keeps me grounded in my calling and reminds me to stay true to myself throughout everything I do.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

Don't do it for the recognition. The true impact comes from having a heart for others. You don't have to start big to make a difference. Small acts of kindness and consistency can grow into something powerful over time. Be consistent with what you're doing, and just try to make a difference. Know that every act of kindness does not have to be shown or seen. That's pretty much to sum it up for me.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

Some challenges that we all see are securing consistent funding and resources while still trying to meet the needs and do the meaningful work. Balancing the partnerships, the volunteers, and the financial support can definitely be a bit difficult, for sure. We're always looking for sponsors, or donors, or anonymous sponsors, or how we can collab with anybody. It definitely makes a difference. Government programs have been decreased as well, which adds to the challenge.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

Compassion and empathy are very strong values for me in my work and personal life. I have a heart for others, and I'm committed to service. I believe in standing in the gap for those who may possibly endure financial hardships. My faith is central to everything I do - that's what I've been called to do. I also value rest, reflection, and reconnecting with my purpose. Spending time with my family and remembering my why keeps me grounded. I've learned that in order to continue pouring into others, I have to make time to pour back into myself.

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