Meet Jah Davis, Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

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With nearly a decade of experience in higher education, Jah Davis (she/her) is dedicated to fostering inclusive campus environments and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. As the Senior Director of DEI at Pace University, she brings expertise in institutional advocacy, civic engagement, and student-centered programming. Jah’s leadership is rooted in her own experiences as a first-generation college student from East Flatbush, Brooklyn, shaping her passion for social justice and community building. In this Q+A, she shares her vision for DEI at Pace, the initiatives she’s most excited about, and her commitment to strengthening connections across all three campuses.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you came to work in the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Pace?

I’m a first-generation college student from East Flatbush, Brooklyn, a neighborhood rich in cultural diversity. Growing up in this vibrant community fostered my early appreciation for equity and inclusivity. My own experience navigating the challenges of adapting to campus life deepened my commitment to social justice and ultimately led me to pursue a career in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) leadership.

With a passion for DEI and college student development, I’ve dedicated nearly a decade to higher education, working in Residential Life and DEI leadership roles at Binghamton University and Pratt Institute. Now, I’m thrilled to be at Pace University, collaborating with a dynamic DEI team and engaging with this vibrant campus community!

What is your role in the department? What does a typical workday look like?

As the Senior Director of DEI, I develop and implement strategies to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion across all three Pace campuses. My work involves collaborating with senior leadership to integrate DEI principles into university operations, designing and facilitating training programs, and reviewing policies to identify areas for improvement.

I also serve as a resource for students, staff, and faculty, providing guidance on DEI-related initiatives while representing Pace in external partnerships and advocacy efforts. The beauty of this work is that no two days are the same—each day presents new opportunities to create meaningful change and foster inclusivity within the Pace Community.

As we head deeper into the Spring 2025 semester, what excites you most about working in the DEI Department at Pace University?

I’m most excited about building relationships across all three campuses. The warm welcome I’ve received from colleagues and students has been incredible, and I’m eager to collaborate on DEI initiatives that foster belonging and connection. I’m also looking forward to learning more about the Pleasantville Campus and its surrounding communities while continuing to engage with our New York City and Haub Law campuses.

Is there a particular initiative or event that you’re especially looking forward to this semester?

Yes! I’m especially excited about the upcoming Days of ORIGIN initiative. Bringing together all three campuses for collective dialogue is a powerful opportunity—one that reinforces the importance of community and shared experiences. Now more than ever, fostering inclusive conversations and meaningful connections is essential, and I can’t wait to be part of this impactful event.