Her Story
About Rachel
Rachel Davis is an Indigenous educator, researcher, and community leader dedicated to advancing educational equity, cultural sustainability, and community well-being. A citizen of the Sac and Fox Nation, she serves as the Native American Center Coordinator at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, where she creates programs that foster belonging, strengthen connections to Indigenous culture and land, and support student success. In addition to her university leadership, she founded Imagine Our Adventure LLC in 2017 and expanded its mission through Nakani Consulting, providing tribal liaison, community development, and educational consulting services rooted in Indigenous knowledge and relationship-centered practice.
Throughout her career, Rachel has combined counseling, education, and community engagement to build meaningful partnerships across tribal nations, higher education, and local organizations. She previously worked as an outpatient therapist and AmeriCorps mentor, experiences that shaped her healing-centered approach to leadership and student development. Her accomplishments include securing more than $60,000 in grant funding for cross-cultural exchange initiatives, leading immersive educational experiences, restoring historical university identity through alumni engagement, and revitalizing the American Indians in Science and Engineering (AISES/ACES) chapter at UW–Stevens Point, which earned a Rising Star Chapter Award and national recognition.
Rachel's work centers on the intersection of Indigenous knowledge systems, educational sustainability, and justice-driven systems change. As a doctoral scholar in Educational Sustainability, she is developing a framework that integrates Indigenous futurisms, abolitionist praxis, and healing-centered education to transform learning environments. A frequent advocate for ethical leadership, Indigenous data sovereignty, climate justice, and responsible artificial intelligence, Rachel is committed to creating spaces where people feel valued, cultures are honored, and communities can thrive through collaboration, respect, and collective responsibility.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rachel
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being self-motivated, determined, and goal-driven. I give my best every day, strive to make a positive impact in my work and community, and remain committed to continuous growth and excellence.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to stay self-aware, embrace new challenges, and build others up by creating a positive team environment.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to speak up and let your voice be heard. Don’t be intimidated by others—know your worth, believe in your abilities, and have confidence in the value you bring.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities in my field is creating more inclusive and meaningful spaces where people feel valued and connected. As an Indigenous educator, researcher, and community connector, I see the importance of fostering collaboration, amplifying diverse voices, and ensuring that communities are genuinely heard and empowered.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are kindness, respect, and integrity. I believe in standing up for what I believe in, advocating for myself and others, taking pride in my work, and embracing lifelong learning through continuous growth and education.
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