Dr. Joy Lawson Davis, Ed.D.

Dr. Joy Lawson Davis, Ed.D. is a nationally and internationally recognized scholar, author, and educator who has dedicated over 35 years to advancing equity and access in gifted education. With a deep commitment to identifying and supporting culturally diverse and neurodiverse learners, she serves as Core Faculty at the Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity in Education and formerly taught at Johns Hopkins University. Her leadership spans various roles, including state specialist for Gifted Services in Virginia and a board member for the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) and Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG).

Dr. Davis is the celebrated author of Bright, Talented & Black: A Guide for Families of Black Gifted Learners and co-editor of pivotal texts such as Culturally Responsive Teaching in Gifted Education and Empowering Underrepresented Gifted Students. Her impact includes consulting globally in countries like South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago, and the UAE, offering professional development focused on culturally responsive pedagogy and gifted education best practices. Whether writing, mentoring, or presenting, Dr. Davis is a powerful voice for children who have historically been overlooked in gifted programs—working tirelessly to ensure every learner is seen, heard, and supported.

• William & Mary- Ed.D.
• Virginia Commonwealth University- B.F.A.
• William & Mary- M.A.Ed.

• National Association of Gifted Children
• American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
• Virginia Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
• National Black Child Development Institute
• Council for Exceptional Children
• The Association for the Gifted
• Virginia Association for the Gifted
• National Association for African American Studies & Affiliates