An Advocate for Marginalized Communities: Q+A with Layne Davis

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Layne Davis

Class of 2025
BA in Peace and Justice Studies
BA in Political Science

How did you become interested in pursuing both a BA in Peace and Justice Studies and BA in Political Science?

I fell in love with classes that centralized human experiences and emphasized the importance of social justice. I grew up with a deep interest in racial justice and human rights, so when I learned that Peace and Justice Studies was offered as a major, it changed my entire college path. Since taking Introduction to Peace and Justice Studies with Professor Elena Marmo, MSc, I knew I was where I was meant to be. Later, I decided to double major in Political Science since the two pair together so seamlessly. I have found that, together, they have given me a comprehensive foundation for understanding how our society operates, and transformative pathways towards a more peaceful and just world.

Why did you choose to attend Pace?

I appreciated the vast program options that Pace offers. Although I came here with a very specific path, it was reassuring to know I had the flexibility to expand my learning and explore various disciplines. In addition, after growing up in the small city of Nashua, New Hampshire, I craved new experiences and greater diversity. At Pace, I knew I would be inherently immersed in a city landscape, and that is an extremely shaping experience.

In October 2024, you delivered a statement to the UN General Assembly First Committee, which considers issues of disarmament and international security. The statement called for greater engagement in youth inclusion and disarmament education. Please tell us more about this experience and how it was meaningful to you.

My experience delivering a statement at the UN General Assembly First Committee was surreal. I am so thankful to the chair of the Peace and Justice Studies department, Associate Professor Emily Welty, PhD, who gave me this opportunity. Through the statement, I was able to represent youth around the world who advocate for disarmament education. I also want to thank students in the International Disarmament Institute at Pace who drafted this incredible statement.

This opportunity was incredibly meaningful to me. As a young person of color, it is easy to feel powerless when it comes to the decisions that impact our futures. It was so empowering to be in “the room where it happens” and to advocate for myself, my generation, and marginalized communities globally. I am also always inspired and humbled by the work of international civil society organizations who advocate for a more peaceful and sustainable world.

My experience delivering a statement at the UN General Assembly First Committee was surreal. I was able to represent youth around the world who advocate for disarmament education.

What have your experiences been like with the Peace and Justice Studies and Political Science departments? What faculty have been instrumental in your journey?

My experience in the Peace and Justice Studies department has been life-changing. The classes I have taken have opened my worldview exponentially. I also have never experienced such a large community of like-minded people, and I feel that I learn from my peers as much as from my professors. I also never anticipated having instructors who were so invested in my journey and success. All the professors in the Peace and Justice Studies department have been instrumental in my journey, and they are extremely knowledgeable and caring people.

Professor Marmo was the first person to affirm my strengths in this field. She is the person who encouraged me to pursue Peace and Justice Studies as a major and has become a mentor to me over the last few years. Professor Welty has been a consistent role model for me, as I am always inspired by her drive and unwavering commitment to creating positive change. I am so lucky to have received their encouragement and faith in me these last few years.

What other activities and organizations have you been involved with as a student?

I am a second-year resident assistant, an experience that has taught me so much responsibility and life skills. It can be a challenging job, but I feel rewarded by the connections I have been able to make. Additionally, I am a member of Pace’s Black Student Union. It has been comforting to have access to a community of Black people on campus who share similar experiences and cultivate a welcoming space. I’m also a member of Frequency, an a capella singing group on campus. It has been a great outlet for me to sing and perform again, and I have met such amazing people who I am so lucky to make art with.

This year, I also had the privilege of co-chairing the DJ Henry Memorial Committee during Social Justice Week 2024. We held a dinner for DJ Henry and honored his memory by showcasing and sharing some of his favorite things. This was an extremely fulfilling experience, and it was so nice to memorialize him in a way that focused on who he was.

What internships have you had?

I have had two Pace-affiliated internships so far. The first, an opportunity through the Peace and Justice Studies program that I received credit for, was with civil society organizations ACT Alliance and the World Council of Churches, at the Ecumenical Office to the United Nations. At this internship, I provided administrative support and tracked meetings held at the United Nations that were related to peace and security.

The second internship was through Pace’s Wilson Center for Social Entrepreneurship. This was my first paid internship, where I worked with the TAP Network, a civil society network that promotes UN Sustainable Development Goal 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions). In my role as a program assistant throughout the Summer of 2024, I learned so many valuable skills in advocacy and engagement, as well as had the opportunity to attend a high-level political forum at the United Nations. Throughout this internship, I was supervised by Professor Marmo, which was a full-circle moment for me.

What are your career goals?

I am still figuring out what I would like to do post-graduation, but as of now, I am very interested in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and the non-profit sector. I hope to pursue a master’s degree in the future when I have a clearer sense of the direction of my career. Right now, I am open to any experiences I can acquire; I want to be a sponge and learn as much as I can about working in the field of peace and justice.

What advice would you like to give to our current students?

If I could give any advice, it would be to not wait to get involved on campus, as I wish that I had opened myself up to what this university had to offer sooner. I know it can be scary to put yourself out there, but you will thank yourself for claiming your education. Next, it’s okay to not have all of the answers. Now is the time to learn about yourself and to try new and different paths. Also, don’t be afraid to schedule a meeting with that professor you really value, or to email your advisor with questions. The staff and faculty here want to help you and see you succeed.