Tinae Davis, MBA-HRM

I attribute my success to a combination of personal experience and strong family influence. A formative childhood experience has served as a steady source of motivation, particularly during challenging moments, and continues to ground my purpose in this work. I was also raised by a strong single mother and a supportive grandmother who instilled in me the belief that there are no limits to what I can achieve. They encouraged me to dream beyond perceived barriers or “glass ceilings”, think expansively, and remain resilient in the face of adversity. And while I did not initially envision myself in executive leadership when I began my career, that same mindset, coupled with the support of those around me, became the driving force behind my growth into roles where I now have the opportunity to create meaningful impact within my community.

The best career advice I’ve ever received came from a Leadership Houston luncheon where Winell Herron, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Diversity & Environmental Affairs at H-E-B, was speaking. She shared a perspective that has stayed with me ever since: “If you don’t have a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” That message resonated deeply with me as it reframed the idea of belonging and opportunity. Reminding me that there are times when we may feel there isn’t space for us in certain conversations or rooms, but that doesn’t mean we should wait to be invited. Instead, we can choose to create or claim space for ourselves, even if it means bringing our own “chair” or standing at the table until room is made. Her words reinforced the importance of showing up, speaking up, and positioning yourself in spaces where decisions are being made, even when it feels uncomfortable. It also encouraged me to take bold swings in my career and understand that not every effort will land, but those risks can also lead to meaningful impact and unexpected opportunities.

The advice I would give to young women entering my industry is to understand that you are not going to change the world overnight. This work takes time, patience, and resilience. It’s also important to recognize that people may have fears or misconceptions about the field, and not every day will be easy. There will be moments when others may not be welcoming or may not fully understand your purpose. In those moments, it’s essential to stay grounded in your “why”. This is not a field you enter for financial gain, but one rooted in service, impact, and meaningful change to protect the unprotected. When you are clear in your purpose, it becomes easier to stay steady through challenges, remain committed, and continue showing up with compassion and determination even when the work is difficult.

The biggest challenges and opportunities in my field center around the ongoing alignment of policies and laws, which are continually evolving and directly impact the work. Another significant challenge is increasing visibility and trust within communities, as there are cultures that may be less likely to report concerns or may prefer to handle matters internally. This highlights the need for greater outreach and understanding. At the same time, there is a strong opportunity to build trust by helping communities understand that our role is to support, not to place blame. While reporting to CPS or law enforcement is required, our primary focus is ensuring that children and their non-offending caregivers receive the justice, support, and healing.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, accountability, and compassion. I believe these three principles are essential to being effective and successful in my role. It is important to have a strong sense of integrity and to consistently do the right thing, even when no one is watching, while also approaching others with genuine honesty and compassion. These values guide how I show up professionally and personally, and they are central to how I make decisions and interact with others in all aspects of my life.

It’s also important to remain teachable, as we all have something to learn regardless of where we are in our career. Growth is ongoing, and being open to feedback, new perspectives, and self-reflection is a key part of becoming better both personally and professionally. While I have not always been perfect throughout my career, I have consistently strived to grow, reflect, and strengthen my ability to show up with greater intention, accountability, and authenticity in every space I’m in.