Meet Sarina Lora Davidson

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sarina Lora Davidson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sarina Lora, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

My mother, Cindy Ramos-Davidson, has always been a force of nature—a trailblazer who shattered barriers and paved the way for others in the business community. As the longtime leader of the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, she dedicated her career to championing small businesses, advocating for economic empowerment, and creating opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Her work ethic is unmatched, and she taught me, through both words and actions, that success isn’t given—it’s earned through perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to lifting others up. For that, and for everything she has done to pave the way for me and so many others, I am forever grateful to my mother – there will never be enough words or time to express how much she means to me and to so many others.

Because of her, I learned what it meant to be the only one in the room who looked like me. Not by choice, but by circumstance. Childcare wasn’t always an option, so I often found myself tagging along to CEO roundtables or networking events or conferences with fancy dinners — sitting quietly in rooms full of accomplished professionals, eating my chicken nuggets while taking in everything around me. I didn’t realize it then, but those moments laid the foundation for how I would learn to navigate and thrive in spaces where I was the youngest, the only woman, or one of the few people of color.

Even before I turned 18, I was an active part of the chamber’s work. I set up exhibitor booths, arranged tables, made phone calls, and sold raffle tickets to help fundraise for the organization. These experiences weren’t just tasks—they were lessons in communication, adaptability, and the power of relationships. I wasn’t just observing my mom’s hard work; I was stepping into a world that would teach me resilience and resourcefulness.

My early education at a private school from first through eighth grade exposed me to another dynamic of being the “only one.” I often found my greatest friendships and biggest influences in students one to three grades above me. This experience helped me understand different seasons of life early on. I learned how to listen, how to ask the right questions, and how to relate to people beyond surface-level interactions. These were skills that would later become invaluable in professional settings where I needed to build trust and credibility.

As I continued to grow, I noticed a pattern—being the youngest in the room, the only woman at the table, or one of the few people of color in a meeting. I live this and breathe this on several Boards of Directors on which I serve or as I take on meetings within my professional role. At first, I listen, I observe, I absorb everything. I have learned to read the dynamics of a room before contributing. And when I finally felt confident that I could add value to the conversation, I spoke up. My voice carries weight not just because of what I say, but because of how and when I choose to say it.

Being in these situations repeatedly built resilience. I also learned the immense value of work ethic—a lesson instilled in me by my mother and reinforced through my own experiences. My dedication, persistence, and willingness to outwork expectations have allowed me to climb the professional ladder, starting as an administrative assistant in 2019 and growing into a senior director by 2025. Hard work has not only propelled my career forward but has also reinforced my belief that no opportunity is too small and no challenge too great when met with determination and purpose. I learned how to overcome the discomfort of unfamiliar spaces, how to advocate for myself, and how to turn challenges into opportunities. Each experience, whether it was being underestimated or navigating unspoken expectations, only strengthened my confidence. I discovered that resilience isn’t just about enduring—it’s about thriving in the face of uncertainty and proving, time and time again, that I belonged in the room.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that relationships are everything. I never meet a stranger. I make it a point to remember everyone I meet and, more importantly, to understand their “why.” Knowing someone’s motivations, goals, and passions helps me connect the dots—whether it’s in business, networking, or personal growth. It’s this ability to build genuine connections that have allowed me to turn rooms where I was once the only one into spaces where I belong and thrive.

Being the only one in the room has never been a barrier—it has been a launching pad. It has taught me adaptability, resilience, and the power of knowing my own worth. More importantly, it has given me the ability to create spaces for others so that, one day, no one else has to feel like they are the only one in the room.

Now, I see it as my responsibility to lift up young women who find themselves in similar situations. I want them to know that being the only one is not a disadvantage—it’s an opportunity to shape the space around them. By mentoring, encouraging, and opening doors for the next generation, I hope to make their paths a little easier. If I can inspire even one young woman to step confidently into a room knowing she belongs, then every challenge I’ve faced will have been worth it. We rise by lifting others, and I intend to ensure that no young woman ever feels alone on this journey.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am the Senior Director of Corporate Fundraising at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County, where we serve 76,000 youth each year. My work is centered on building strategic corporate partnerships that drive meaningful investments into programs that empower young people. Through fundraising, relationship-building, and community engagement, I ensure that businesses have opportunities to make a lasting impact on the next generation.

What excites me most about my work is its transformative power. Every dollar raised, every partnership formed, and every initiative launched directly benefit the youth we serve—providing them with access to education, mentorship, financial literacy, career development, and safe spaces to grow. It’s about more than just funding; it’s about creating pathways for young people to thrive.

Looking ahead, I am excited about launching new funding opportunities, expanding youth programs, and continuing to strengthen corporate engagement in ways that create lasting impact. My work is not just a career; it’s a purpose-driven journey to ensure that the spaces I enter today are more inclusive, impactful, and accessible for those who come next.

To learn more about BGCGTC, visit bgcgtc.org. Our team is always working hard on the next expansion, program, or impact to serve those who need us most.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, the three most impactful qualities and skills that shaped my success are resilience, relationship-building, and adaptability. These have not only helped me navigate being the only one in the room but have also allowed me to excel and yet be challenged to be better tomorrow than I was today.

1. Resilience
Resilience is the ability to keep pushing forward despite obstacles, rejection, or uncertainty. Early in my career, I faced moments where I had to prove myself, where I felt underestimated, or where I was the only one at the table who looked like me. Instead of letting these moments discourage me, I used them as fuel to keep going, to work harder, and to establish my value.

My best advice: Resilience is built through experience. Take on challenges, learn from failures, and remind yourself that setbacks are part of the journey, not the end of it.

2. Relationship-Building
No one succeeds alone. My ability to build meaningful relationships has been a game-changer in my career.

My best advice: Be intentional about connecting with others. Listen more than you speak. Remember details about people’s lives, their goals, and their passions—it’s what makes relationships genuine. Never underestimate the power of a follow-up or a simple “thinking of you” message.

3. Adaptability
No two days in my career have ever looked the same. The ability to adjust, pivot, and embrace change has been critical to my success.

My best advice: Be a lifelong learner. Say yes to opportunities that challenge you. Don’t wait to feel “ready”—growth happens in moments of discomfort. The more adaptable you become, the more valuable you will be in any field.

At the core of all these skills is work ethic—a value instilled in me by my mom. If you show up, work hard, and remain committed to your goals, success will follow.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

Success is never achieved alone—it takes a village. Every step of my journey has been shaped by the people who have invested in me, challenged me, and supported me along the way.

I am deeply grateful to every leader who has guided me, offering their wisdom, mentorship, and belief in my potential. The time, advice, and opportunities they provided helped me develop the skills, confidence, and resilience that define me today.

At Pinnacle Group, my HR team, General Counsel, and CEO played a pivotal role in my growth, providing me with invaluable knowledge and professional development that laid the foundation for my leadership style.

My family—my mom, my dad, my sisters, my cousins, my aunts and uncles—have all been my unwavering support system. They’ve taught me the importance of work ethic, perseverance, and staying true to my values. Their encouragement and belief in me have been the backbone of my journey.

At the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, my CEO and board of directors helped shape my understanding of leadership, community engagement, and the impact of strong networks. They provided me with opportunities to lead, grow, and refine my ability to navigate complex spaces.

At the University of North Texas, my advisors and mentors during my undergraduate years played a crucial role in guiding my academic and professional development. Their support helped me navigate my early career choices and solidify my passion for leadership and community impact.

At the University of Texas at Arlington, where I am currently pursuing my graduate studies, my program director has been instrumental in pushing me to think critically, refine my expertise, and expand my perspective in ways that will shape my long-term impact.

Today, at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County, I am surrounded by an incredible support system—my CEO, Chief Officer, my dedicated team, our board of directors, and our stakeholders. Their trust in my leadership fuels my motivation to create a meaningful impact every day. The responsibility I hold in my role is a reflection of the people who rely on me, push me to be better, and inspire me to lead with purpose.

And of course, my friends, peers, and mentors—the people who remind me to stay grounded, to push forward, and to embrace the journey. Their encouragement, shared wisdom, and unwavering support have helped me navigate challenges and celebrate victories along the way.

It truly takes a village to be successful—remember to put family first and yourself first, and have a little fun in life, too.
I am endlessly grateful for my village and my entire network of supporters — we cannot walk this life alone.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarinaloradavidson/
• Other: https://bgcgtc.org

Image Credits

Professional Photos by Arcpoint Studios | www.arcpointstudios.com