Jasmine Davis
My career path started back in 2014 when I began as a tutor at an urban school through the AVID program. I was in college at the time, and it was one of my first jobs right out of college. I absolutely loved what I did. My inspiration and passion for education started with my father, because he was an educator for over 20 years in Lynwood Unified School District out here in California. He was an advocate for helping students, and when I would come home and talk about my lessons and different situations with students, he would say, 'Wow, you're all about equity, huh?' He told me I should go to school for it. I was initially going to school for communication, but when I switched my degree over to Educational Leadership in 2016, I fell in love with the fact that there are a lot of women that have a voice. All of the educators I had at the college level inspired me to continue, and I wanted to be a teacher for teachers. That journey led me to pursue my doctorate in Educational Leadership for Social Justice, and I'm currently completing it. I will be graduating next week from Loyola Marymount University. My research is focused on the lived experiences and wellness of Black women educators. Over time, my work has evolved and I've become more passionate about bridging education, leadership, wellness, advocacy, and community impact beyond the traditional academic space. I've worked in LA, staying within urban public schools, and I was with LAUSD for 7 and a half to 8 years. Throughout my time in education, I've developed a strong foundation in culturally responsive practices, community engagement, and supporting students and educators' wellness. My specific approach to teaching has always been more on the mental and emotional side of education. I've always tried to make sure I stayed connected with my students, families, and the community. I think anyone who has worked with me would say I've always been the kind of person that would respond to the mental and emotional realities of both students and educators. I'm currently on maternity leave with my second baby, and I'm literally in the very beginnings of stepping out and doing something on my own for Black women educators, hopefully continuing for educators across where women of color are in education and inspiring future educators.
• Credentialed Teacher (California K-12)
• Doctorate in Educational Leadership for Social Justice
• Loyola Marymount University (graduating next week)
• Bachelor's degree (switched from Communication to Educational Leadership in 2016)
• Beach cleanups and community cleanup projects
• Women's group for military spouses focused on wellness and balance
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
When I move with my purpose, when I move with something that resonates and sits with me right, when God puts it in my path and I follow it, it will light a path and light up everyone that I touch. Much of the work that I do is centered on creating meaningful impact, and that's something I'm very passionate about. I don't just do it for my students - I do it for my children. It's not just about being seen, it's about using these opportunities to help others feel seen, supported, and empowered as well. That's what drives me, because I've always been the kind of person to bring people with me. I've always been that kind of person to lift others up. Flexibility, being balanced, and maintaining wellness has been my focus in this last year. I talk to the military spouses in my women's group about prioritizing balance with their family and their personal well-being. If I'm not taking care of something professionally, then I'm going to try to focus on my wellness and the people around me. I'm going to try to build knowledge for myself and the people around me, supporting myself and the people around me.
Locations
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) - Broadacres Avenue Elementary
Los Angeles, CA