Joy Wise davis
Joy Wise Davis is a seasoned human resources leader with more than 30 years of experience, having begun her career in 1994 as an HR generalist. Throughout her journey, she explored specialty areas including employee relations and recruiting, ultimately discovering her passion in the generalist space, where she could engage across the full spectrum of HR functions. This broad foundation propelled her into leadership roles, and she advanced to become a Director of Human Resources, bringing both depth and versatility to her work.
In her current role at the University of Minnesota, Joy serves as a trusted advisor to the dean, overseeing daily human resources operations while leading team and leadership development within the college. She is responsible for aligning HR strategies with organizational goals, ensuring leaders are equipped to succeed, and guiding her team in identifying challenges and implementing effective solutions. Her work reflects a strategic approach to human resources, positioning it as a key driver of organizational performance and success.
Joy operates with a strong commitment to servant leadership and specializes in leadership development and coaching. As a certified holistic life, career, and executive coach, she is passionate about helping individuals and teams grow, gain clarity, and reach their full potential. What began as a desire to work with people has evolved into a mission to influence meaningful change, as she continues to elevate human resources into a transformative force within the organizations she serves.
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• Holistic life
• Career
• And executive coach
• Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) certification
• Courageous Conversations About Race practitioner
• Xavier University of Louisiana
B.A., Management Science
• Award for completing work with the Campus Club at the University of Minnesota
• CUPA
• Agape Child Care Development Center (Board of Directors)
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated
• Agape Child Care Development Center
• Girl Scouts
• Dress for Success
What do you attribute your success to?
I have a very strong faith in God. I'm very spiritual and very religious, and my faith in God is number one. That's who I know has my back in all things. It's also my family and their support, which is everything. Having a strong upbringing where I was shown my worth, not in a braggadocious way, but being told that I deserve to be here, I deserve to be in the spaces that I'm in, and don't shrink back for anyone. Those types of thoughts and ideas have helped me get through a lot, because there's so many things out there that will make you doubt yourself. I'm not saying I haven't had doubts, but it's just remembering the things that my parents have taught me and being around strong women, especially strong Black women. Taking all of that in has gotten me through a lot. I walk by faith and have the support of my family.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Be true to yourself. Definitely know your values. Always, always be true to who you are, because you can't go wrong when you're true to who you are.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Know exactly why you're entering the field. Research HR, because it's a lot more than what it used to be. It's growing and continues to grow. Understand how HR is intertwined with the business. HR is not just about hiring and firing. It's not just about knowing all of the back end, but it's knowing how to be valuable to the business. Without value to the business, you don't exist. You've got to have not only the ability to work with people, you've got to have the business acumen. You have to be able to show your value as a member of HR, and if you want to lead the HR function, you've got to be able to talk to and with those that lead the business.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I would say resources is one big challenge. We're a cost center, we cost money. So if you're going to walk into an organization and say give me money, give me resources, you've got to be able to show what you're going to do and your value. I also think keeping that seat at the table is a challenge. We've talked about wanting to have a seat at the table, and so now you've got to show the business side of the business that you deserve to be there and why you need to stay there. I'm not saying it's a constant prove yourself, but you need to have the business acumen once again to stay there and show, yes, I deserve to be here, and not one move should be made in this organization without an HR partner by your side.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Trust, integrity, honesty, authenticity, and being real. It all comes down to that truth factor. Be who you are.
Locations
University of Minnesota
Maple Grove, MN 55311