Ep. 135 - The Honorable Christine Davenport is a civic and political leader in the state of Maryland. She holds the distinction of becoming the first African American elected to the Democratic Central Committee as a chairwoman from district 31 and continually reelected through 2016 in that position. In this episode, Christine shares how her dad influenced her to study and run for a public position to make a difference. Listen in to learn the importance of encouraging diversity, inclusion, and equality in public offices. You will also learn how to teach young girls and women the benefits of pursuing STEM subjects in college.
Key Takeaways:
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- How to teach your children the value of making a difference by speaking out on equity and inclusivity
- How to be brave and courageous enough to break barriers of discrimination and inequality by taking action
- How to be curious about all the possibilities by pursuing STEM classes in college, especially as a young woman
"Whatever you set your heart at doing, remember that it comes with hard work and determination. When you get to the top, reach back and pull someone else up." -Christine Davenport
In this episode you'll discover:
How the advice of her father impacted Christine to be the best and to practice inclusivity [1:15]
She talks about her education and career journey as an educator transforming kids' lives [6:57]
She explains how she broke the boundaries to apply for a delegate position [13:24]
How she presented her agenda to be elected& reelected to the Democratic Central Committee [17:03]
The advantages of meeting voters one on one (door knocking) even amid a very virtual world [20:06]
Why you should go back to the voters to thank them and show your sincerity [23:12]
The importance of pursuing STEM subjects in college as a young girl [26:07]
Why you should encourage diversity, inclusion, and equality in public offices [28:50]
Christine talks about the symbolism of Kamala Harris being elected into office [32:22]
CAREER
Christine is a trailblazer, leader, team player as well as a self-starter. She is one of the community's strongest advocates for excellence in education and has exemplified a fine and long tradition of leadership throughout her community and the State of Maryland.
In 2002, Christine was the first African American elected to the Democratic Central Committee from District 31 and continually re-elected until 2018. From 2004 until 2009 she served as the Vice Chair of the Commission.
AFFILIATIONS
Christine Davenport organized and served as president of the Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Anne Arundel County. In 1989 Christine organized and served as the president of the North Arundel County Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and elected again in 1999-2001.
She organized and served as the president of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Anne Arundel County Chapter, Christine served as president from 1991-1997.
From 2007 until 2014, Martin O'Malley personally appointed Christine to serve as the Anne Arundel County School Board Nominating Commissioner.
In 2006, Christine organized and served as the president of the Anne Arundel Chapter of the Continental Societies, Inc. and was later elected to serve as the 2nd vice Regional Director.
In 2011, Christine summoned 23 Visionaries that graduated from Claflin University and was successful in chartering the Greater Northern Maryland Alumni Chapter of Claflin University.
In 2013 and re-elected in 2015 Christine served as the Continental Societies, Inc National Chaplain. She subsequently served the 1st Vice Regional Director for the Continental Societies, Inc, for Eastern Region 2016-2019, followed by election in 2019 as the Eastern Regional Director that is comprised of seven States and 14 Chapters.
AWARD
In 1995, Christine received the prestigious Path Finder's Award for women who have forged Trails for others to follow from YWCA.
In 2006, the Dr. Martin Luther Jr. King Awards Committee presented Christine the prestigious Fannie Lou Hamer Humanitarian Award.
In 2009, the Daily Record named Christine as one of the Top 100 Outstanding Women in the State of Maryland.
Christine received the Michelle Obama Outstanding Award 2020 for her exemplary work in the community.
RESOURCES
Presenting Shoes and Back Scratcher
Facebook Live Event
LinkedIn
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