When I first stepped into Brian Davis’s office, the first thing that hit me was the heat, like a comforting hug. Not only because the heater drove off the chill, but also because of Davis’s reassuring and welcoming presence, instantly making me feel at peace. The calm cadence of his voice, his open demeanor and steady presence makes everyone feel accepted and at ease, qualities essential for a Assistant Head of School for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).
As San Domenico’s new Assistant Head of DEI this year, Davis aims to make SD a welcoming community for everyone, regardless of their identity or background.
“Because I know what it feels like to be excluded, I try to create environments where people don’t feel like they have to leave any aspect of themselves at the door when they come into a school environment or my presence,” Davis said. “You can just be [yourself] and thrive.”
Davis’s passion for DEI was ignited from his experiences of growing up in the inner city of West Philadelphia, where he saw first hand how factors like your zip code, name and appearance can affect your opportunities in life. Facing intense situations from a young age, Davis gained a deeper understanding of how systems unfairly constrained people, limiting their potential based on circumstances beyond their control.
Driven by a desire to broaden his perspective, Davis’s quest for knowledge about different cultures and lifestyles led him across the globe. He studied abroad as an undergrad visiting Haiti, Cuba, Amsterdam, Australia and Curacao. Before turning 25, he had traveled to 27 countries, often venturing solo.
Through his travels, Davis sought to understand how to address the challenges directly impacting Black people and other marginalized groups.
“My philosophy was, in order to change the world, I got to understand the world,” Davis said.
Davis’s passion to understand other people’s experiences and stories, even across the globe, makes him an exemplary DEI coordinator. Instead of passively listening to one’s problems and concerns, Davis takes proactive steps to address their challenges and create impactful solutions.
Only a few weeks into his arrival at SD, Davis worked on a project with Chidara Onyeukwu, a senior at San Domenico and leader of the Black Student Union (BSU). From then on, Davis has become a mentor to Onyeukwu by being someone he can talk to, look up to and, most of all, rely on.
“Whenever you ask him to do something, he’ll make sure it gets done,” Onyeukwu said. “[Reliability is] something that we’ve had trouble with in the DEI position before, but Mr. Davis is very serious about it and he wants to make sure that we’re actually getting things done in the clubs.”
According to Onyeukwu, Davis has provided BSU with funding by figuring out where the money would come from and ensuring the club had the resources it needed to take trips and make merch (coming soon). He organized the multicultural palooza, ensuring the club leaders met and planned activities. Also, he takes initiative in the clubs, making sure they communicate regularly to get projects done.
Furthermore, Davis’s influence on students goes beyond acts of service; he is a role model as well.
“[Davis] sets an example of how I should act around my peers because he’s professional, but at the same time, very friendly,” Onyeukwu said. “That’s something I look up to.”
In addition to connecting with students, Davis has diligently worked with SD faculty and staff to ensure the school is being intentional with their DEI work.
Vineneese Stanton, SD’s 6-12 Registrar and Standardized Testing Coordinator, highlights how Davis’s passion for his work drives him to create meaningful change within SD.
“He wants to see our campus be more diverse and more inclusive, and because of that, he’s very willing to put in the work,” Stanton said.
Davis holds monthly faculty meetings to work with staff on how they are bringing DEI into their classrooms and encourages them to read “Radical Candor,” a book looking into the internal biases we are not aware of. He holds workshops practicing how to be more open minded and more intentional in their interactions with students.
“We are very lucky to have him,” Stanton said.
By helping teachers and staff members deepen their understanding of themselves and how to effectively teach others, Davis is laying the groundwork for a stronger, more inclusive foundation at SD.
“My goal is to always be intentional about how our faculty and staff here are sharpening their tools, because if they can better themselves, they’ll be better for our students,” Davis said.
Davis’s commitment to personal and professional growth informs and guides every aspect of his life.
“I focus so much on trying to be the best version of myself every day,” Davis said. “I strongly believe that we have that much internal power over ourselves.”
By setting a positive example, he influences others to do the same, creating a community committed to self-love.
Davis shows up for himself daily by being intentional with his 24 hours. Not many people can wake up at 4:45 a.m., start the day with a 6 a.m. power yoga class, and then head straight to work. After a full day, he fits in another yoga session, enjoys dinner from his meal prep plan, and attends a Pilates class from 6 to 7:30 p.m. His evening continues with a 30-minute Peloton ride or treadmill run, followed by 30 minutes of weightlifting before winding down for bed. Davis comments on how being active and busy throughout the day is “a gift to myself.”
“It looks very busy, but I find so much joy in what I do,” Davis said.
Additionally, Davis has taught more than 2,500 yoga classes and holds 6 a.m. classes at SD in the dance studio. He invites everyone to join him in the next class!
“You can always make time [to] give back to yourself.”
Davis truly embodies what self love and care look like in action, consistently prioritizing his physical and mental well-being.
These principles guide Davis in his role as DEI, where he works tirelessly to foster an environment of inclusion and understanding. Davis’s unwavering dedication to DEI not only drives his work but also strengthens the foundation of San Domenico, creating a lasting impact for years to come.
Onyeukwu wants all students to know that Davis is “kind and approachable.”
“If you just want to talk to him – because you should – don’t be scared,” Onyeukwu said.
