Her Story
About Davina
Davina White is a seasoned executive administrative professional with more than 20 years of experience providing high-level support to senior executives across corporate finance, technology, investment banking, consumer products, government, and fast-paced startup environments. She currently serves as Senior Executive Assistant at Salesforce, where she supports executive leadership by managing complex calendars, coordinating board and meeting logistics, overseeing travel arrangements, facilitating executive communications, and driving operational efficiency. Known for her precision, adaptability, and solutions-oriented approach, Davina has earned a reputation as a trusted strategic partner who enables executives to focus on organizational priorities while ensuring seamless day-to-day operations.
Davina's career began in the 1990s as a receptionist, where she developed a strong work ethic and taught herself computer and administrative skills using an IBM laptop. Through determination, continuous learning, and hands-on experience, she advanced into executive assistant roles supporting C-suite leaders, senior executives, attorneys, and finance professionals throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Her professional experience includes leadership support positions at Salesforce, Pattern Energy Group, Hinge Health, Citi, and The Clorox Company. She is also committed to expanding her knowledge through professional development and earned the Artificial Intelligence: Business Strategies and Applications certification from Emeritus, further strengthening her ability to support executives in an evolving business environment.
Throughout her career, Davina has been driven by a commitment to excellence, integrity, and service. She believes the foundation of exceptional executive support is built on trust, clear communication, adaptability, and maintaining a positive attitude regardless of the challenges presented. Motivated by her desire to provide opportunities for her family, she has built a successful career through perseverance, resilience, and continuous self-improvement. Outside of work, Davina enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling to beaches and wineries, writing poetry and short stories, and prioritizing self-care through spa days. Guided by her personal motto, "Work smarter, not harder," she remains passionate about finding solutions, improving processes, and helping leaders and organizations achieve meaningful success.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Davina
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, continuous self-improvement, and my determination to provide the best possible life for my children. Early in my career, I taught myself computer and typing skills, embraced every opportunity to learn, and steadily advanced from receptionist to Senior Executive Assistant through hard work and resilience. My children have always been my greatest motivation, inspiring me to continue growing professionally so I could provide them with opportunities I may not have otherwise been able to offer. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to finding solutions, working smarter, and consistently delivering excellence.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to know my worth, never be afraid to speak up, and always maintain a positive attitude. I believe confidence, professionalism, and effective communication are essential to long-term success. I make a conscious effort to approach every day with optimism because life is too short to carry workplace stress into my personal life. Maintaining a positive mindset has helped me build strong professional relationships while supporting executives with confidence and integrity.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women entering this profession to be adaptable, resilient, and willing to embrace change. You must be able to work effectively with a variety of personalities, remain detail-oriented, and maintain composure in fast-paced environments where priorities can shift quickly. Develop thick skin, avoid taking challenges or difficult interactions personally, and approach every situation with professionalism and a positive attitude. By remaining passionate about your work, staying organized, and continuously developing your skills, you will build trust and become an invaluable partner to the executives and teams you support.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I encountered early in my career was learning how to establish healthy boundaries, say no when appropriate, and confidently push back when workloads became unrealistic. Another challenge has been overcoming communication gaps between executives and their support teams, as effective communication is essential to organizational success. At the same time, I believe executive assistant roles present tremendous opportunities for career growth, professional development, and meaningful exposure to executive leadership. These positions allow professionals to contribute strategically while building valuable business knowledge across a wide range of industries.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family, trust, communication, and a positive attitude are the values that guide both my personal and professional life. My family and friends are my greatest priorities, and I enjoy creating meaningful experiences by bringing people together. Professionally, I believe trust is the foundation of every successful executive partnership because executives rely on their assistants with highly confidential business and personal matters. Clear communication ensures that priorities remain aligned and nothing is overlooked. I also believe in working smarter rather than harder, maintaining a solutions-focused mindset, and approaching every challenge with professionalism, optimism, and integrity.
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