Michelle Davis, MS, LPC, PCC

Assistant professor and the director of equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice (JEDI)
The Kempe Center, University of Colorado–Anschutz

“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.”—Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Michelle Davis, MS, LPC, PCC, is an assistant professor and the director of equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice (JEDI) at the Kempe Center, University of Colorado–Anschutz. Michelle has been working to advance social equity and justice for children and families in child-and-family-serving systems for more than twenty-seven years. Michelle believes that we are the answer to the social ills that plague our society. She aspires to reach the essence of our humanity as an organization and relationship systems coach, as a leadership coach, and in her current role as Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI), utilizing a comprehensive approach. One highlight of Michelle’s long-standing career is her design of a coaching program that elevates our ability to have conversations that bridge our divisions and generate personal and organizational belonging; Race Intelligence (RQ™) seeks to facilitate discovery, healing, transformation, and action for individuals, teams, and organizations in creating more equitable systems of care and practice. As a Dare to Lead facilitator, Michelle works with teams to unleash daring leadership over armored leadership, support leaders in harnessing the Four Skill Sets of Courage™ in themselves and others, and to cultivate high-performing, cohesive teams. Michelle is a licensed professional counselor, certified systems coach, professionally certified coach, and certified Dare to Lead facilitator. She received her master’s in counseling at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Michelle enjoys spending time with her family, playing games, and traveling near and far to marvel at the wonders in this world. and implementing effective strategies for improvement on a state level. Florence has been with DCF since 1996, working in a host of positions, including Performance Management, Case Practice Model Implementation, Quality Improvement, IAIU and child protection.

Her work in Race Equity began over 15 years ago while collaborating elfare continuum, there are disparate outcomes based on race, gender identity and sexual orientation. As a contributing member of the ChildStat/Qualitative Review process and DCF’s Race Equity Steering Committee, she has shared her research, insight, and passion for change.

In the Office of Diversity, Equity and Belonging, Florence coordinates the work of the department’s Race Equity Steering Committee, develops and implements initiatives that promote equitable outcomes for children and families of color, builds the capacity of staff to respond effectively to structural racism, individual and implicit bias, and promotes culturally competent policy and practice within DCF and among our contracted services.