Karen Voncille Davidson Smith
DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT ROLE
Currently, I hold the position of director of diversity, equity and inclusion, alongside serving as a clinical associate professor in the School of Education at the University of Mississippi. Within this role, I am dedicated to leading initiatives that promote diversity, equity and inclusion within the School of Education. My focus revolves around advocating for diverse learners and continually enhancing the overall teaching and learning environment within the School of Education and LOU Community.
HOW I KNEW THIS WAS MY PASSION
I enjoy creating inclusive environments and supporting college students from diverse backgrounds to succeed and feel valued. I find fulfillment in fostering an atmosphere where all students feel empowered to thrive academically, socially and personally.
BEST ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED
My parents and former educators imparted invaluable wisdom. The late Dr. Lelon Davidson’s reassuring mantra, “Everything is going to be alright!” and my mother’s advice to “Put God first” inspire me. My daddy’s influence on my journey in higher education taught me the power of faith over worry. Embracing their teachings, I find strength in life’s trials.
BEST CAREER MOMENT SO FAR
Living and working in Nairobi, Kenya, was a pivotal career moment for me. At the Kenya Institute of Education (KIE), now the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), I trained staff on integrating curriculum development, research and evaluation techniques for primary and secondary education. My focus included emphasizing needs assessments, thorough data reporting, and selecting suitable statistical methodologies for research data models. This global experience equipped me with essential skills to communicate and navigate diverse cultures effectively.
NONPROFIT I WISH I KNEW MORE ABOUT
I am passionate about organizations that empower children who share my African American identity and provide them with international experiences, recognizing the importance of representation in shaping aspirations. As the saying goes, “You can’t be what you don’t see.” AIESEC’s global focus on youth development offers a platform for children like me to envision and pursue opportunities beyond their immediate surroundings, inspiring them to reach for their full potential. Learning more about AIESEC’s efforts to foster diversity and inclusion while providing international experiences is something I eagerly wish to explore further.
Hometown: Oxford… moved away in 1990 and moved back in mid-2011.
I can’t start my day until: Starting my day with a smile is essential, and I can’t do that without speaking to my husband first. His presence brightens my mornings and sets a positive tone for the day ahead. We always make sure to communicate before we both go to work, ensuring we start our days on the right note. His positive outlook and ability to see the glass as “half full” inspire me daily.
Hobbies: My interests involve singing and songwriting. What many don’t know is that I have a background as a professional background singer and was also a former member of the Fisk University Jubilee Singers, where I received classical training.
Binge-watch: Except for “Flea-Market Flip” or similar shows on HGTV, I find it hard to binge-watch anything else.
Last Good Read: My latest engaging read consisted of excerpts from my own book, currently in progress. Titled “Lil Gurl in a Foreign Land,” it captures my firsthand experiences abroad.
Favorite Meal in Town: Narrowing down my favorite meal in town is tricky; it could be at Volta, El Agave or Lost Pizza, depending on my mood.
