Be The Change
At Davis & Associates, we firmly believe that each of us has the ability to be the change we wish to see in the world. Now, more than ever, individuals and organizations must possess greater awareness, knowledge, and skill around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). We can help you with that!
About Us
At Davis & Associates, we provide you with the tools to engage in authentic dialogues, training, and services to increase your DEI competence and create sustained growth and development for your organizations. Establishing an inclusive environment leads to improved morale, creativity, performance, teamwork, and productivity.
One of the significant challenges with talking about diversity, equity, and inclusion is that we often don't know how to talk about it. We're afraid to offend, appear ignorant, and say the wrong thing, etc. That fear is what causes us to ignore differences and minimize others. Ignoring our unique differences only causes us to feel diminished, invisible, and that we don't matter.
At Davis & Associates, we recognize that DEI education can be challenging. However, what sets us apart from other trainers is that we approach this work from a true spirit of love. We excel in breaking down those barriers and creating an environment that is not only conducive to learning but also an environment where participants feel safe to share and practice vulnerability. While the work is hard, we all have to be willing to do the work if we desire to see positive growth and development. If you're willing to do the work, our commitment to you is that we will stand beside you and walk you through it.
Our Team
Moses K. Davis, Ph.D. --- President & Chief Consultant
Dr. Moses K. Davis, affectionately known as “Dr. Moses,” is a true believer that each of us has the ability to change the world and leave a lasting legacy for those who come after us. In a world that grows more complex each day and the need to create environments where understanding and navigating differences are crucial, Dr. Moses has led groups and organizations to engage in authentic dialogues and training focused on increasing awareness of diversity, equity, inclusion, and intercultural competence.
Dr. Moses lives in a world of possibility. He grew up as the youngest of 11 children in Detroit, MI, and knew very early in life that he needed to find his path. He earned his BA in Secondary English Education and Spanish from Western Michigan University, a MA in Higher Education Administration from New York University, and his Ph.D. in Workforce Education and Development at Penn State University. He believes that each of us can create a world where individuals feel safe, included, valued, and appreciated in all of their identities and a world where care and compassion for each other are paramount.
Dr. Moses has over 15 years of experience as a DEI educator. He led cultural immersion trips to Vietnam, Brazil, Ghana, and Puerto Rico. He taught graduate courses on DEI at Penn State University and a graduate cultural foundations course in Vietnam with The College of New Jersey. Dr. Moses has worked in several DEI related positions at the University of Michigan, Penn State University, and Johns Hopkins University. He also travels to university campuses worldwide as a Co-Lead Facilitator with the LeaderShape organization to help participants live in possibility and create a more just, caring, and thriving world.
Dr. Moses is an extensive traveler who has visited all but one continent and loves to cook. He is eager to share his knowledge, wisdom, experience, and talent with you and your organization. His favorite quote is “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” by Mahatma Gandhi, and he lives his life choosing to “be the change.”
Rev. Aracelis Vázquez Haye, M.Div, M.Ed ---Senior Consultant
Rev. Aracelis Vázquez Haye is an ordained minister, chaplain, educator, and community organizer. Aracelis has had the honor to serve in the academy and the local church. Her work as a student affairs practitioner in the areas of residence life, academic advisement, and multicultural affairs led her to the role of college chaplain. As a chaplain, she used all of her experiences and gifts while providing resources and services, pastoral care, and addressing the many challenging questions of faith, justice, and religion. Her work with youth and young adults within the church, community, and college helped form community-wide coalitions on justice projects that addressed immigration, education inequality, homelessness, racial injustices, and anti-violence programs. Aracelis has led national projects with the Association for Hispanic Theological Education (AETH), building a network of theological entities, capacity training, and resources for pastors and leaders in the US and Latin America.
Aracelis has taught courses on community engagement, diversity and social justice, and youth ministry at St. John’s University, Connecticut College, Three Rivers Community College, and Yale University’s Youth Ministry Institute.
Aracelis earned her B.A. from Eastern Connecticut State University, M.Ed. from Loyola University of Chicago, and Masters of Divinity from Yale University. Aracelis’ work and passion for DEI work, theological education, and social and prophetic justice is the fuel that drives her to learn more, serve others, and to lead with action. Aracelis resides in the Greater Charlotte region with her husband and two children.
Kristin L. Thomas, Ph.D. --- Senior Consultant
Kristin Thomas, Ph.D., known as “Dr. KT,” connects theory to practice in the classroom by applying years of experience as a practitioner in curricular and co-curricular program development (domestic and international) with her research on learning and sense-making during international travel and recreational in-person and online experiences. She is teaming with colleagues in the Netherlands to develop an online international experience in which American students work with Dutch students on understanding experience design in events management from global perspectives.
Before joining the faculty at the Pennsylvania State University, Dr. KT worked in the Office of Global Programs at PSU, where she created and lead the development teams for international and intercultural programs, including the Global Engagement and Leadership Experience and the First Year Global Engagement Program. Additionally, Dr. Thomas has co-led international student programs to Jamaica and an international cruise practicum with Carnival Cruise Lines.
Dr. KT earned a BA from Eastern Michigan University in Public Relations with a minor in French, a MA in Education Leadership in Higher Education in Student Affairs, and Ph.D. in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management from Penn State University. She currently resides in Pennsylvania with her husband of 18 years and their incredible teenage daughter.
Gina L. Hurny, Ph.D. ---Senior Consultant
Dr. Gina L. Hurny has a proven record of providing leadership and strategic direction to teams. She has extensive experience facilitating dynamic and collaborative leadership development opportunities specifically designed to help teams and individuals create honest and authentic environments. Dr. Hurny’s life work has been dedicated to creating inclusive environments by preparing individuals to think critically, communicate effectively, and act responsibility. Her leadership philosophy is that anyone can be a leader without being the leader and that we all must learn to have an appreciation of difference. Gina believes that having fun and making meaning out of her work help her to serve as an agent of positive change.
Dr. Hurny earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership and Human Resources from Colorado State University, Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from Syracuse University, and Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management from Slippery Rock University.
Testimonials
I have worked within the field of international education for the past 15 years and I can think of two people that were literally born to do the work of cross-cultural awareness, leadership training and global competency building. Dr. Davis encompasses everything that you need to motivate, promote self-reflection and push clients to really reflect and grow. Actually, at the same time he sees his role as a leader who continues to acknowledge their own growth is a part of the process. Dr. Moses Davis is who you will want in the room when you are having the challenging conversations and he is the individual to guide your organization to real change.
- J. Campbell, Global Programs, Penn State University
Moses Davis is an outstanding colleague and engaging facilitator. Having co-lead with him during sessions of LeaderShape, I watched engaged students push themselves to new heights with Moses’ leadership and facilitation. His ability to work with difficult topics with ease is inspiring and powerful.
- T. Williams, Ed.D, Authentic Consulting
I have had the opportunity to be in the atmosphere when Dr. Moses is functioning at his highest and most impressive capacity, when he is teaching. At GELE, a global leadership experience which Dr. Moses co-coordinates, he taught 20 U.S. and 20 International students the significance of Chimamanda Adichie’s ‘A Single Story.’ That day, 40 students with a multitude of different experiences, privilege, hardships, and opinions, were able to discuss what it means to be a leader at the intersection of advocacy and compassion. During that same conference, he tackled power and privilege. He encouraged us to believe in the powerful intersectionality of our own identities. In exploring these very deeply controversial topics, Dr. Moses gave us the space to freely question the beliefs of our peers in an emotionally constructive and thought-provoking weekend of discovery.
- A.G. Penn State Student
Dr. Davis in one of a kind in all forms of interactions and relationships. His ability to connect with individuals is demonstrated through his passion for inspiring change that runs marrow deep. Dr. Davis is a champion of the "head-fake" - indirect learning for audiences where the takeaway is mastered through alternative topics and practices. His background and anecdotes provide credibility that instantly draws the attention of everyone in the room.
- K. Bunce, Manufacturing Engineer, John Deere
One of our departmental strategic planning goals was to develop a broader sense of inclusive excellence within the Residential Life department both with our students and our staff. Moses was willing to commit to working with us for an entire academic year. Not only did Moses come to campus and do the initial administration of the IDI, he came back to campus to share the group profile with our team, did individual face-to-face and phone coaching sessions with our staff, and is now coming back this spring to help us measure our growth over the last year. From the initial gathering of data, to the full-day training he did based on the results of our group profile, to the spring IDI administration, we have been pleased with the work Moses has done with our team. The level of trust, dialogue and conversation around issues of social justice have increased significantly because of the manner in which he helped us focus our time, our trainings, and our conversations. For campuses who want to make movement in becoming a more inclusive community, I recommend Moses Davis and as a long-term partner in that success.
- A. Knerr, Executive Director Residential Life and Housing, Indiana State University
I had the pleasure of being a Cluster Facilitator at a LeaderShape co-lead by Moses. I was immediately drawn to Moses, as were many of the students. Moses brings full, genuine, and compassionate energy to a room that has participants wanting to engage and learn. I'm in awe of Moses's ability to move seamlessly between moments of infectious laughter, moments of provoking thoughtfulness, and moments of intense growth. Moses is a reflective and dynamic educator who absolutely impacts and influences change in all the spaces and places he enters.
- N. Antonicci - Director, Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, Duke University
I had the privilege of co-leading a 6-day leadership institute with Dr. Davis and witnessed his talents first-hand. He brings credibility, expertise, wisdom and a fresh perspective to his sessions, while delivering with an interactive style that keeps students fully engaged. He is approachable, energetic, and has a great sense of humor – the students were enamored and believed that he was in it with them. Dr. Davis is a genuine educator and his passion is evident to all.
- J. Espinola, J.D., Dean of Students, University of Oregon School of Law
Moses Davis forms meaningful connections with those he interacts with, and he fosters the development of strong interpersonal relationships among others. He brings joy and a vibrant energy to every situation he is a part of, and speaks with conviction and candor. His compassion, empathy, and dedication is unrivaled.
- L. Cawley, Chemistry Teacher, Democracy Prep Charter High School
