Her Story
About Teena
Teena Davis is a workforce development and education professional who serves as Director of Programs at the Milwaukee Job Corps Center in Wisconsin. With 18 years of experience in the Job Corps system, she began her career as a Residential Advisor, supporting youth living on center by helping maintain safe environments and teaching essential life and employability skills. She later advanced to Follow-Up Services, assisting graduates with employment, housing, financial resources, and other post-program needs before transitioning into admissions, where she focused on recruiting young people into the program. Approximately six years ago, she advanced into management as an Outreach and Admissions and Career Transition Services Manager and later as a Project Manager, leading to her recent promotion to Director of Programs.
Before joining Job Corps, Teena operated a daycare for 22 years, developing extensive experience in childcare, education, and youth development. She also served for eight years as president of two school boards, further strengthening her leadership, governance, and community engagement experience. In December 2025, she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Administration and Management from Strayer University. Teena attributes her success to listening carefully, observing the people around her, and learning from individuals who are achieving the goals she hopes to pursue. She also values honest conversations with her friend, Diana Witt, as an important source of perspective and personal growth.
Teena encourages young women entering the field to learn the rules, remain creative, and avoid limiting themselves to a predetermined box. She believes that mistakes are a natural part of growth and should not be feared. Among the challenges she sees in her field are navigating the political environment surrounding Job Corps, changing public perceptions of the program, and connecting with a new generation of young people whose expectations and attitudes continue to evolve. Through her leadership, experience, and commitment to youth development, Teena continues to advocate for opportunity, growth, and meaningful pathways to success.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Teena
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my willingness to listen, observe, and learn from those around me. I pay close attention to people who are accomplishing the things I aspire to achieve and take the time to understand the choices, habits, and approaches that have contributed to their success. I also value honest and meaningful conversations, particularly with my close friend, Diana Witt, whose insight and candid perspective have been an important influence on my personal and professional growth.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received was to stop waiting for the other shoe to drop and allow myself to recognize and embrace my own success. Someone once told me, “Davis, you’re really starting to grow. Quit waiting for the other shoe to drop.” That advice taught me not to be afraid of success, but instead to accept it, appreciate it, and continue growing. I have carried that perspective with me throughout my career, reminding myself to acknowledge my accomplishments while remaining open to new opportunities for development and advancement.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to learn as much as possible and understand the rules of the game so you can navigate it effectively. At the same time, I encourage you to remain creative and avoid limiting yourself to a box. Be willing to think differently, explore new approaches, and challenge conventional ways of doing things. Most importantly, do not be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes can be valuable learning experiences, and the willingness to take risks, grow, and continue moving forward can ultimately lead to success.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field is the continued evolution of Job Corps. The program must navigate a complex political environment while working to maintain strong bipartisan support and address efforts that could threaten its future. Another important challenge is changing public perceptions of Job Corps and helping people better understand the value and impact of the program. At the same time, we are adapting to a new generation of young people whose experiences, expectations, and mindsets are different from those of previous generations. Learning how to connect with them, understand their perspectives, and help them develop a stronger sense of responsibility and opportunity is both a challenge and an important opportunity for growth.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my professional and personal life are authenticity, integrity, fairness, and strong ethical principles. I believe in being true to myself, honoring who I am, and taking the time to understand what I stand for. I also believe that self-respect and self-awareness are essential foundations for meaningful relationships and leadership. At the center of these values is my faith, which provides the foundation for how I approach life, make decisions, treat others, and remain grounded in my principles.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.