Alexis J. Davis

Strategic communications project manager 
United Way of Central Iowa

Age: 30

Mentor: Renee Hardman, CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa

Why she’s a Forty: She serves as the first president of the Black Alumni Association at Drake University. She serves as chair of the Internal Audit Committee for the Des Moines Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. She is a member of the James B. Morris Scholarship board of directors. She is a member of the African American Leadership Academy Advisory Board. She served as a board member for YMCA Supportive Housing Campus from 2017 to 2020. She volunteered with YMCA Supportive Housing, Back 2 School Iowa and the Des Moines Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

What are your goals in your role at your company? 

I help the organization complete cross-functional projects in addition to COVID-19 response efforts. I am a member of the diversity and inclusion committee, which supported the 21-Day Equity Challenge, and other committees such as the internal campaign committee, helping to increase United Way of Central Iowa’s campaign giving by nearly 5% over 2019.

What are your goals for your community involvement? 

My goal is to increase our engagement with our community partners. Although we strive to serve underserved and marginalized communities, it is my goal to bring our organization directly to the communities we serve so they have a direct understanding of our community's needs. 

What's your biggest passion, and why? 

Artistic expression is my biggest passion. Art is a gateway for many, and our community needs to engage in and have access to artistic opportunities in our area. 

What is it that drives you? 

As a first-generation college graduate, my family drives me. After experiencing major losses early on in my life, it has been my goal to live life to its fullest and to achieve all I can while I'm still on this earth. I was raised to take care of the community in which I reside and in the 12 years I've been in Des Moines, I've strived to do the best I can in my community. 

What are your future aspirations? 

I aspire to expand Pyramid Theatre Company's outreach from a local scale to a national scale. We are rising as a company within the Midwest, but it is a goal of mine to continue our national outreach, drawing attention and talent to the Midwest. 

Three hobbies: Tennis, karaoke, acting. 

Fun Fact: She owns over 200 Beanie Babies. 

ONE word: Passionate. 

What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community? 

It is my wish for our Central Iowa business community to truly do outreach in our community. It is my hope that the business community looks for employees and leaders from marginalized areas and communities, those that think outside of the traditional box. Our region is full of talent, especially in marginalized areas, and they often move away because they don't feel valued. 

Anything else you haven't addressed that people must know about you? 

I am a founding member and the current managing director of Pyramid Theatre Company.