Davis grew up in Oklahoma City and later attended Mount Holyoke College, a liberal arts womens school in Massachusetts. She attributed her passion for womens advocacy to her education there.
Its an amazing place with such a renowned history, she said. It opened my eyes to womens studies and showed how far weve come and how far we have to go.
Davis studied politics and international relations. Later, she obtained a Masters of Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Dallas.
right Kristin Davis
After 10 years working in Dallas health care industry, Davis relocated to Phoenix, where she started Arizonas longest-running column, Volunteer Hero, for the Arizona Republic. As a pro bono contributor, she profiled community nonprofits and encouraged philanthropy and volunteerism.
In 2010, Davis became a victim of domestic abuse. She faced months of verbal abuse from her second husband, a U.S. air marshal.
Never in a million years did I think domestic abuse could happen to me. I grew up in an all-American family, went to Casady School, studied at an Ivy League college, had three kids, and a nearly 20-year first marriage to a great guy, said Davis. But Ive learned this abuse can touch everyone. It touches 1-in-4 women, and it doesnt matter who you are.
Davis said she is thrilled to be back in Oklahoma and added that she is focused on the coalitions seven key areas: female incarceration, domestic violence, health care, female employment, girls confidence, education and aging.
On April 4 OWC will host Advocacy Day at the state Capitol, an event designed to teach women how to advocate for their rights. Keynote speakers will be Davis and Rep. Wade Rousselot, D-Wagoner, who has proposed a bill to extend protective orders from three to five years.
For women who are in challenging situations, the most important thing is to reach out to others, Davis said. When you find out youre not alone is when you find your voice.
To register for Advocacy Day, visit oklahomawomenscoalition.org.
Worst states for women, 2004
51. Mississippi
50. South Carolina
49. Kentucky
47. Oklahoma Arkansas (tied)