Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Paris Davis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Paris, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Through my experiences growing up in Oakland, California, facing numerous challenges and setbacks, and witnessing the struggles of people of color in my community, I realized that my purpose lay in making a difference in the lives of others who have endured similar hardships.
After a promising college basketball career was abruptly ended by a tragic incident where I was shot while playing basketball at my neighborhood park and critically wounded, I found myself at a crossroads. Basketball, once my passion and potential career path, was no longer an option. However, I remained resilient and determined to forge a new path.
I heeded the advice to “be better today than you were yesterday” and embraced the concept of being comfortable with discomfort. These principles guided me as I pursued higher education, despite academic challenges, eventually earning a master’s degree from Cal State East Bay.
When an opportunity arose to intern at YOUTH ALIVE!, an organization dedicated to supporting victims of violence in Oakland, I seized it. Despite the difficulty of the work and the heartbreak of encountering families who had lost loved ones to violence, I persisted. I recognized the importance of stepping into the lives of victims with practical and emotional support, particularly through programs like the Khadafy Washington Project (KWP).
My journey from athlete to intervention programs director at YOUTH ALIVE! wasn’t linear, but it has been deeply fulfilling. While I cannot prevent the violence that has already occurred, I am committed to making a positive impact in the aftermath, offering support and guidance to those who need it most.
In choosing education and dedicating myself to serving my community, I found my purpose. It may not always be easy, but I am determined to continue working my way up and making a difference, one day at a time.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As the Intervention Programs Director at YOUTH ALIVE!, my role is multifaceted, encompassing leadership, management, and strategic planning to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of our intervention programs. I am deeply involved in every aspect of our programs, from overseeing day-to-day operations to developing long-term goals and strategies for growth.
One of my primary responsibilities is to provide guidance and support to our team of Intervention Specialists (IS) who work directly with individuals and families impacted by violence. I collaborate closely with them to ensure they have the resources, training, and support needed to effectively carry out their roles and make a positive impact in the community.
Furthermore, I play a central role in program development and evaluation, continuously assessing the needs of our community and identifying opportunities to enhance our services. Whether it’s expanding outreach efforts, developing new partnerships, or implementing innovative strategies, I am committed to driving positive change and improving outcomes for those we serve.
Looking ahead, I am passionate about furthering my education and obtaining my Doctorate in Education (EdD) with a focus on violence prevention and urban schools. My goal is to leverage my academic pursuits to deepen my understanding of the complex dynamics underlying violence in urban communities and explore evidence-based strategies for prevention and intervention.
With an EdD, I aspire to contribute to the field of violence prevention through research, policy advocacy, and program development. I believe that by combining academic knowledge with practical experience gained through my work at YOUTH ALIVE!, I can make a meaningful impact in addressing the root causes of violence and promoting safer, more resilient communities.
Ultimately, my vision is to bridge the gap between academia and practice, translating research insights into actionable solutions that empower individuals, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for positive change. By applying my expertise and insights gained through my EdD program to the field of violence prevention and urban schools, I hope to drive meaningful progress and inspire others to join the fight against violence in our communities.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have been particularly impactful:
Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges has been crucial in navigating the ups and downs of my journey. Resilience helped me persevere through difficult times, such as recovering from a life-altering injury or facing obstacles in pursuing higher education and professional opportunities. Cultivating resilience involves developing a growth mindset, maintaining a sense of optimism, and seeking support from mentors, peers, and loved ones during tough times. To develop resilience, I recommend embracing failure as a learning opportunity, practicing self-care and mindfulness techniques, and surrounding yourself with a supportive network of people who uplift and encourage you.
Adaptability: Flexibility and adaptability have been essential in responding to the changing circumstances and demands of my journey. Whether shifting career paths, adjusting to new roles and responsibilities, or navigating unexpected challenges, being adaptable allowed me to embrace change with agility and resourcefulness. Developing adaptability involves cultivating openness to new experiences, embracing ambiguity and uncertainty, and honing problem-solving skills to effectively navigate complex situations. Embrace opportunities for growth and learning, remain open to feedback and constructive criticism, and be willing to step outside your comfort zone to adapt and thrive in diverse environments.
Empathy and Cultural Competence: Empathy and cultural competence have been foundational in my work of supporting individuals and families impacted by violence in diverse communities. Understanding the experiences, perspectives, and needs of others with compassion and cultural humility has enabled me to build trust, foster meaningful connections, and deliver culturally responsive services that honor the dignity and worth of every individual. To cultivate empathy and cultural competence, actively listen to others with an open heart and mind, seek to understand different cultural contexts and perspectives, and engage in continuous self-reflection and learning to challenge biases and assumptions. Embrace diversity and inclusion, advocate for social justice and equity, and strive to create spaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered.
For those who are early in their journey, my advice is to embrace these qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge as essential pillars of personal and professional growth:
Cultivate resilience by viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and growth, seeking support from mentors and peers, and practicing self-care and mindfulness techniques to build emotional strength and well-being.
Develop adaptability by embracing change with curiosity and flexibility, honing problem-solving skills to navigate uncertainty, and seizing opportunities for innovation and growth in diverse contexts.
Foster empathy and cultural competence by actively listening to others with empathy and respect, seeking to understand diverse perspectives and experiences, and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in your interactions and endeavors.
By embodying these qualities and skills, you can navigate your journey with confidence, compassion, and purpose, making a meaningful impact in your personal and professional endeavors while inspiring others to do the same.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
I am deeply grateful for the extraordinary impact my parents have had on my life. Their unwavering demonstration of unconditional love, their innate desire to help others, and their remarkable journey of personal transformation have profoundly shaped my values, beliefs, and aspirations.
Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the depth of my parents’ love and their unwavering commitment to supporting those around them. Whether it was offering a listening ear, extending a helping hand, or simply providing a shoulder to lean on, they exemplified the true essence of compassion and empathy. Their capacity to love unconditionally, even in the face of adversity, instilled in me a profound sense of empathy and a deep-rooted belief in the power of human connection.
Moreover, my parents’ journey of overcoming drug addiction stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Through sheer determination, courage, and an unwavering commitment to change, they embarked on a transformative path towards recovery. Witnessing their journey unfold over the years has taught me invaluable lessons about the importance of perseverance, self-discipline, and the inherent capacity for growth and renewal.
Above all, my parents have exemplified what it means to be true leaders in every sense of the word. Through their actions, they have shown me that leadership is not about holding positions of power or authority but rather about embodying integrity, humility, and authenticity. They have led by example, inspiring others to believe in the possibility of change and to strive for excellence in every aspect of their lives.
As I reflect on the profound impact my parents have had on my life, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and admiration. Their legacy of love, resilience, and leadership will continue to inspire me to strive for greatness, to embrace challenges with courage and determination, and to live each day with purpose and compassion. In their unwavering support and boundless love, I find the strength and inspiration to pursue my dreams and make a positive difference in the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.youthalive.org/caught-in-the-crossfire/
- Instagram: Yo_Voy
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paris-davis-mpa-085822146
