We had the good fortune of connecting with LaTonya Davis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LaTonya, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I am a Black woman who I realized that I could have more impact toward antiracism as a CEO than as an employee. I wanted to use my expertise and experience to drive equity for Black talent and beyond. I set out to shift leaders in companies, nonprofits and schools from good intent to exceptional impact toward antiracism, anti bias through the domains of diversity, inclusion, belonging and equity.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am a Black business owner who has made an impact in the Diversity,Equity,Inclusion and Belonging space through speaking, coaching, leading workshops and designing products. As an Autism parent, K-12 leader and lawyer, I chose to build a business that targeted two target audiences: employers and Black talent. My impact has been over 75 million. Both designed to drive equity for my people at work.

With Black talent I focus on high leverage strategies that help them advance at work such as gaining a sponsor. With employers, I focus on changing practices and policies that led to inequity of historically excluded talent.

Three challenges that happen are that Black vendors are not selected, provided access to opportunities and expected to receive less compensation than White talent. The lessons I have always known is that I am top Black talent and extraordinarily designed to do this work.. My brand is #iamblacktalent and my mission is to drive equity for Black talent of all ages and stages.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
After heading to church at Lakewood I would take them on a bike ride through Hermann Park. I like to ride my bike in the Museum District and along the bayou Scott Street because it is nice scenery. I know we would visit my family in Third Ward and former schools Blackshear Elementary and Jack Yates Senior High School. We would go to the YMCA Tellepsen to swim and workout because it is a nice facility. We would have many options of places to eat. I would take them to Pappadeaux because the seafood is delicious, roll through Turkey Leg Hut and kick it at Barnaby’s for lunch on Binz. Before they left, I most certainly would go to Ipic movies because the ambiance and food are amazing.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate my work to my dad who taught me how to walk. He said you know what’s behind you so don’t look back. My dad is deceased, but I know he would be so proud of me.

Website: TonyaDavis.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-latonyadavis/

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