Career Objective
Julia Davis is an advocate for students from marginalized backgrounds providing them with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed academically as they navigate higher education. She is committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces where students feel seen and empowered, while also working toward institutional and policy changes that advance equity and justice on their behalf. She aims to serve her community and promote equity within higher education.
Educational Philosophy & Mission
My mission as a higher education and student affairs professional is to advocate for students from marginalized backgrounds by providing them with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed academically as they navigate higher education. I am committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces where students feel seen and empowered, while also working toward institutional and policy changes that advance equity and justice on their behalf. As a leader, I strive to be a source of encouragement and hope, reminding students that their identities and circumstances do not define their potential. I want to be a changemaker, a motivator, and a role model showing students that they, too, can overcome barriers and build meaningful futures. Ultimately, I aim to serve my community and promote equity wherever I am within higher education.
Projects
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A Pledge To Children Non-Profit Organization
Founded 2022
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From Isolation to Inclusion: Unpacking First Generation Students Access to Resources
USC PASA research symposium
Experience
Resume & Skills
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Writing Sample
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Career Summary & Goal
As an advocate for marginalized students and someone focused on working in student affairs, I have made it my goal to be the voice for those who do not have the access or resources needed to navigate the higher education system. My experiences as a leader, both in the workplace and in the community, have shaped my role and the goals I have for my career and the impact I want to make. Giving back is extremely important to me being the leader that others may not have had or seen, and creating opportunities for those who may not be as fortunate. I want to ensure that my leadership always reflects an equitable, holistic, and diverse approach.
I have worked in education for 4 years, with 2 of those years in the Los Angeles Unified School District at one of their Title I schools. I held different roles, from being a teacher assistant, behavioral interventionist to an after school teacher. I also had the chance to work as a preschool teacher, after school teacher, after school program supervisor, coordinator, and a reading interventionist in both Garden Grove and Compton, California. In my last year and most recently, I started my journey in higher education, working at a private university in Los Angeles as an academic advisor for their Upward Bound programs. Through these experiences, I have created and implemented programs, policies, rules, and regulations, while also gaining experience working with different professionals and diverse student populations. On top of that, I founded a nonprofit where I advocate for students by hosting events and bringing resources directly into their communities. Through these events, I have built a foundation that continues to show what equity and a diverse approach in leadership truly looks like.
Career Goals
Currently, I am finding opportunities to implement organizational change within universities with the goal of closing the inequity gap for marginalized students. I envision being able to make change on a broader level within the education system for those who face barriers that continue to hold them back. I want to better understand educational policies and laws that are in place and challenge the ones that create more harm than good. My goal is to push for the changes needed to break down those barriers that marginalized students continue to fight against. At the same time, I want to continue being a safe space, a role model, and a leader for the students I come in contact with.
Awards, Recognitions & Degrees
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Issued February 2025 in Los Angeles, CA. Issued by WESTop Socal President Ramon Gallegos
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Congratulations Award Issued by County of Los Angeles, Holly J Mitchell supervisor of the second district February 2025. Congratulated me on National Trio Day where we celebrated TRIO day at LMU by bringing in over 300 students from plenty of TRIO programs and did service learning.
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Issued July 2024 by director Sha-Dé Chapman of the LMU Upward bound programs appreciating me for my work and dedication to the program.
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Award issued July 2024 by Los Angeles Unified School District Certificate of Recognition Los Angeles, California Board member Nick Melvoin recognized me of my exceptional work as an Academic Advisor for LMU Upward bound and working with the partnering LAUSD school Westchester Enriched and Sciences Magnet High School.
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Award issued July 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Recognized for my hardworking and dedication to the students of LMU Upward Bound. On behalf of the 61st Assembly District they congratulated me and wished me success in my future endeavors.
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Aug 2024 — Jul 2025 Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student
Affairs, University of Southern California Los Angeles, California
Aug 2020 — May 2023 Bachelors of Art in Sociology , California State University of
Fullerton Fullerton, California
Aug 2016 — Jun 2020 Associates Degree in Liberal Arts & Associates Degree in
Interdisciplinary Behavioral Social Sciences , Los Angeles
Southwest Community College Los Angeles, California
Dual enrollement while in High School.
Diversity Statement
Growing up as a first generation foster youth and Black woman, I have seen firsthand what it is like to not have access to the resources and support needed to succeed in school. Being in low income areas with underfunded schools and limited guidance, I have felt what many marginalized students are still feeling today trying to figure out a system that was not built for them. This is exactly why I have made it my mission to give back to students who come from similar backgrounds and to advocate for those who feel like they do not have a voice.
I know what it is like to face barriers and feel like the odds are stacked against you. That is why I work hard to help students overcome the challenges that come with their intersecting identities and circumstances. Whether it is through my nonprofit, working in schools, or now in higher education, I have made it a priority to bring resources and opportunities directly to students and their communities.
As a TRIO alumni, nonprofit founder, and someone who has walked in these students shoes, I have created programs and hosted events that focus on access and support. Being in my graduate program at USC has pushed me to think even bigger about how to create change at the institutional level and challenge the policies that continue to hold marginalized students back.
At the core of everything I do, I stay equity minded, take a holistic approach, and make sure to always lead with a diverse mindset. I want to continue being that leader, role model, and safe space for students, someone who shows them that their identities and their situations do not define what they are capable of.
References
Sha-Dé Chapman
Director, Loyola Marymount University Upward Bound Programs, LMU School of Education
Sha-Dé.Chapman@lmu.edu
Relationship: former supervisor in partnered unit (LMU Upward Bound) and direct reportRoberto Cardenas Associate Director, Loyola Marymount University Upward Bound Programs, LMU School of Education
Roberto.GonzalezCardenas@lmu.edu
Relationship: former supervisor in partnered unit (LMU Upward Bound) Dr. Cory Buckner Post Secondary Administration and Student Affairs Professor, University of Southern California Cbuckner@usc.edu Relationship : former professor in graduate program at USC
Let’s Build!
If you need any information feel free to reach out for any questions and or concerns. Or advice I’ll love to connect!