CARRYING ON THE LEGACY

Our Story

The Michael H. Davis Family Foundation was established to honor the life and legacy of Michael Davis—a loving father, husband, friend, and passionate advocate for education, community, and lifelong learning. Michael excelled academically and athletically, driven by a competitive spirit and a deep thirst for knowledge. His love for research and his vast understanding of various subjects made him a trusted resource and mentor to many.

Beyond his love for sports and his family, Michael dedicated much of his life to supporting students and their families. He coached student-athletes, collaborated with school administrators to provide the resources vital to student success, and consistently worked to ensure every young person had the tools to thrive.

After his passing, Michael’s daughters, Khadijah and Khalilah, founded the organization to continue his legacy of mentorship, educational support, and community engagement. The Foundation reflects Michael’s enduring belief in the power of education, his commitment to research and knowledge-sharing, and his unwavering dedication to creating opportunities for all students to succeed.

Meet the Family

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Khadijah Davis, MSPH

Co-Founder/President & CEO

Khadijah (she/her) serves as Co-Founder/President & CEO, leading the strategic direction and execution of the foundation's initiatives. With a strong focus on aligning community needs with the foundation’s long-term vision, she ensures that its values and principles are woven into every project, partnership, and business decision.

Khadijah has nearly a decade of experience in health equity, behavioral health policy, and research–making significant contributions to advancing systemic change in these areas. Her work reflects a passion for creating inclusive and equitable solutions that address the most pressing public health challenges.

Khadjah holds a Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) in Health Policy from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and a Bachelor’s degree in Global Health and Environment as well as Psychological & Brain Sciences from Washington University in St. Louis. Khadijah is deeply committed to fostering community and promoting equitable access to resources, which are the driving forces behind her work.

Khalilah Davis

Co-Founder/Vice President

Khalilah (she/her) serves as Co-Founder/Vice President, playing a pivotal role in shaping and executing the organization's initiatives at both the local and regional levels.

With extensive expertise in marketing communications, public relations, and digital advocacy, Khalilah oversees the foundation's relationships with key stakeholders, manages all aspects of internal and external communications, and drives public awareness initiatives that elevate the foundation's mission and impact within the community. As a former business peer advisor, she is dedicated to providing students with the tools and resources necessary to propel them to new heights.

Khalilah holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Marketing, Strategic Communications, and Finance from Creighton University. Her passion for fostering community connections and empowering students underscores her commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

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Christy Thurman-Davis, CPM

Secretary-Treasurer/Strategic Advisor

Christy (she/her) serves as the Secretary/Treasurer and Strategic Advisor. She collaborates closely with the President and Vice President to cultivate a future-ready organization while providing strategic guidance on market analysis, organizational development, and risk management.

With over 20 years of experience in state government, fiscal policy, and enforcement and compliance, she has a proven track record of driving impact and growth while developing comprehensive strategies that enhance operational effectiveness and organizational success.

Christy holds a degree in Computer Information Systems and is a Certified Public Manager. Her commitment to professional excellence and leadership, combined with her passion for fostering growth, has equipped her with the tools and resources needed to navigate complex challenges and identify opportunities for advancement.