Today we’d like to introduce you to Davica Williams.
Hi Davica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey started on October 28, 1981 when my mother birthed a set of beautiful preemie identical twin girls. From the oxygen hitting our lungs, we haven’t stopped declaring that we are here! As a child, I was most affectionately revered as a “Chatty Cathy” because I would often ask questions. I was mystified by storytelling by adults and peers with my active child-like imagination. In the fourth grade, a microphone was placed in my and I knew from then on all I needed was one mic. After I hosted for the first time at our Honors Banquet, I was being asked left and right to speak a various events for teachers and the peer media club where I would do the announcements on the P.A. System. Now that I reflect on it, that was my first taste of being an influencer and felt important like a celebrity. Once I entered student government in the 6th grade and won local and district oratorical contests my confidence for public speaking was cultivated and instilled. Throughout matriculations in the Miami Dade Public School Systems, Florida Memorial University and Morehouse School of Religion at the ITC, I always was on the scene speaking and advocating for marginalized voices spanning across issues of sexual trauma/rape, domestic violence, sex education, HIV/AIDS Awareness and Advocacy, Anti-Bullying with Peer Mediation and Counseling and Body Positivity to name a few.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I used to be angry with God that I did not have a smooth ride in achieving and overcoming many traumatic life events. My earliest traumatic childhood experience was due to incestuous rape and molestations at the age of 3 by an uncle. Both my late twin and I had to navigate through shame, guilt, body image and self-esteem because of it. It was the genesis of our advocacy work as pre-teens. However, I experienced two more sexual violations at the ages of 9 and 12 by a stepfather and was gang-raped in middle school. To say my life hasn’t been a crystal stair it truly pales in comparison. If navigating through sexual trauma was not enough add dealing with colorism, fat-shaming and bullying growing up in the 1990’s. The irony of colorism and bullying during my middle school and high school years often felt like a contradiction. The more hate and scandalizing of my name the more revered and respected I became. I learned because I refused to let broken people speak for me and fight for myself that I was a heroine for many people who felt invisible and muted. My character and integrity spoke for me in every season. Many people who hated me with such visceral shared with me it was their projected self-hate and the love I poured into many of them transformed their lives.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Licensed Realtor, Multi-Media Personality, Professional Model, Trained Psychologist, Ordained Elder in the Baptist Church and Author. I specialize in various vocations as I am multi-gifted to serve a diversity of needs. I do not believe in limiting myself. Plus, I took to heart in school that I was told that I would change careers at least three times in my life and for me to find my passion. The light bulb came on and I decided to find my passion! In finding my passion, I gleaned many skills sets and professional experience in retail and marketing, fashion, human service organizations, higher education and real estate.
What I am most proud of extends beyond any accolades, degrees and material attainments I have accumulated over the years. It lies in the spirit of Davica Williams who refuses to quit, fail and die full of gifting’s and potential. I know that my ambitious drive and unwavering intention to show up my authentic self in every environment is what sets me apart from others. This bold and beautiful light of mine, I have no choice but to let it shine!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a mentor is essential for personal and professional growth and development. Select a mentor that you most identify with their character, life principles, shared values and professional attainment. I don’t select a mentor based on popularity but truly due to your diligence. A mentor’s impartation in your life should change the trajectory of your life. I have been a mentor since the 5th grade and I too have been mentored by prominent leaders and thinkers.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.davispeaks.com
- Instagram: davispeaks_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DavicaWilliams
- Twitter: daidaglamazon
Image Credits
Joe Wesley Nathaniel Veal Leroy McDowell Lelia Fore
