VCU news

By Tiff Murray-Robertson
L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs

Drawing on the fortitude instilled by her adoptive mother’s unwavering dedication, Keandra Davis, a doctoral student in the public policy and administration program at Virginia Commonwealth University’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, is leveraging her lived experience and academic insights to effect change in urban policy.

Raised in the heart of Miami's Liberty City neighborhood, Davis witnessed pronounced housing inequities that kindled a deep-seated resolve, which now propels her academic and professional journey. Her single mother's selfless sacrifice, evidenced by efforts to send Davis and her four siblings to parochial school despite significant financial hardship, played a pivotal role in shaping this steadfast determination.

“Even as a child, I was acutely aware of the stark disparity between the affluence of neighborhoods like South Beach and the general tenor of depletion of neighborhoods like ours. I suppose that was the beginning of my ‘why,’” Davis said with a smile.

Her mother's commitment to her family and her long-standing federal government career subtly underpins this motivation: “I am here to change the narrative for my family, friends and everyone in similar circumstances.”

Displacement and environmental preparedness

Guided by a B.A. in African American studies from the University of Florida and a Master of Public Administration degree from Florida State University, Davis approaches her research from a distinctly interdisciplinary perspective.

"My degree in African American studies shaped my academic orientation, allowing me to critically analyze the experiences of marginalized communities," she said. Her educational background gave her the tools to confront systemic barriers and racial disparities that persistently affect these communities.

Davis’ doctoral research is unique in its focus on the implications of housing displacement, environmental hazards and emergency management, particularly in Miami's public housing sector. She seeks to understand the relocation patterns of displaced individuals, often finding them in remote, flood-prone areas of Miami that are susceptible to natural disasters. This intersection of housing and environmental issues forms the crux of her work, a subject Davis says is underrepresented in the existing literature.

"Much of the existing research on this topic is retrospective, concentrating on response and recovery post-disaster. I'm interested in shifting that focus toward preparedness," she said.

Davis is critical of Miami's current flood mitigation plan. She says it pays disproportionate attention to coastal areas, often inhabited by wealthier residents, while overlooking the needs of lower-income, displaced individuals living in flood-prone areas.

"We are aware that these regions, marked by floodplains, are inherently vulnerable. Add to that the vast population of displaced individuals now residing in these areas, it begs the question: How are we addressing their emergency preparedness?" Davis asks, highlighting the urgency of her work.

Combining vulnerability theory, critical race theory and the social construction of target groups, Davis’ research explores how socioeconomic status and race factor into the current strategies of local governments in addressing these issues. This layered analytical approach sets her research apart, offering a fresh perspective on the intersection of housing equity and environmental preparedness.

Her plans involve engaging directly with displaced residents in door-to-door interviews, as she is keen to hear their experiences and perceptions of governmental responses to flooding and displacement.

“Ultimately, my goal is to shed light on this issue and provide a platform for those directly affected by it,” Davis said. “It's important to hear firsthand from the residents within these communities. Understanding their experiences with frequent flooding and their perception of governmental response is paramount."

Ambition, advocacy and impact

Outside her academic pursuits, Davis is active in various roles that allow her to effect change on a broader scale.

Her fellowship with Virginia Housing, a prestigious two-year appointment, involves working to improve the state’s housing voucher program, while her former role as a research associate with the Research Institute for Social Equity enabled her to explore wealth-building for the minority entrepreneurship community in Richmond. And as an affiliate faculty member in VCU's Department of African American Studies in the College of Humanities and Sciences, Davis encourages students to contribute to systemic change, further honing her ability to influence and advise.

Davis’ ultimate ambition is to become the secretary of Housing and Urban Development. It is a dream role that she says would allow her to leverage her research, community engagement and network to shape national housing policies that combat systemic disparities.

She says it is this emphasis on practical application that ensures that her research resonates beyond theoretical significance to generate tangible impact.

"In conducting my research, I'm not only looking to make an academic contribution,” Davis said. “I'm hoping to inform policies, foster dialogue and, most importantly, give a voice to those directly impacted by these issues. It's not just about identifying problems, but actively working toward solutions that consider the diverse needs of these communities."

This story first appeared on the Wilder School website.