Jariel Davis

Leadership Development Program Associate

Jariel Davis is a program associate in Leadership Development at the Southern Education Foundation, where she plays a key role in advancing leadership initiatives, coordinating program offerings, and supporting the professional growth of fellowship participants and alumni. As a former Southern Education Leadership Initiative fellow, Jariel is deeply connected to SEF’s mission of promoting educational equity. Originally from Pascagoula, Mississippi, Jariel began her career as a classroom teacher.  With six years of classroom experience, she brings valuable knowledge on issues faced by students and teachers in the South. Committed to providing all students with rigorous learning opportunities, she has consistently challenged practices that disproportionately affect students of color. Jariel earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Southern Mississippi and her master's degree in education policy from Vanderbilt University. In addition to her work in education, Jariel is the co-founder of Leaps of Faith, a nonprofit that offers free dance classes to girls who otherwise would not have access. She remains committed to giving back to her community through both her professional work and nonprofit leadership.