Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Davis.
Hi Taylor, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I didn’t get to see a lot of role models who looked like me. I became accustomed to operating in spaces and environments where I felt like one of very few and this often left me feeling very isolated and limited in terms of the scope of opportunities I thought could be for me. On one random Monday in 2nd grade something wonderful happened. I had just moved to Allen, TX and saw my new teacher Mrs. Acosta. Mrs. Acosta was special to me because she was the first and only black teacher I’ve ever had. And in 2nd grade, you’re not explicitly thinking about race or representation, but you do recognize that overwhelming feeling of finally feeling understood– Finally being able to relate to and identify with the role models you look up to. Seeing Mrs. Acosta everyday gave me the reassurance as a little girl that people who looked like me could be role models and inspirations, and it totally redefined what I perceived my limits to be as a young black girl.
I discovered my love for pageants in college when I was elected the 82nd Miss Howard University. This position was initially an opportunity for me to motivate my peers & student body, but it would soon become much more after I attended a leadership conference where Deshauna Barber, Miss USA 2016, was the keynote speaker. She detailed her challenges that she overcame as a black woman in the military and a black woman in pageantry. I was left with the resounding message to never let fear get in the way of achieving my dreams and never let anyone’s opinions limit where you have the potential to go. Hearing her speak not only put the idea in my head that I could be Miss USA one day, but it put the idea in my head that I could be anything I wanted to be if I worked hard and didn’t allow setbacks, challenges, or labels to overcome my will to persevere and dream.
Being Miss Dallas USA has given me the opportunity to impart these same moments of wisdom and revelation to others. I’m able to be a role model for all girls and women who dream of accomplishing extraordinary things, but are too scared to take the leap. My platform, Reignite, is all about finding your spark and conquering the fear of failure. As I compete for the Miss Texas USA crown in May, the message I hope to share is one of resilience, ambition, and courage.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
If there’s one thing competing in pageants has taught me, it’s that there is no such thing as a smooth road to the crown. Every day is a challenge physically and/or mentally. Some days you don’t feel like going to the gym or practicing your onstage Q&A. Some days you don’t feel as confident and you begin doubt yourself. In these moments, I remember my message that I want to share with others about resilience and courage. I think about the many women I’ve encountered in my life that have inspired me to be audacious enough to pursue these crazy goals of mine. This motivates me to keep going and to continue becoming a more disciplined and optimistic version of myself.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I currently work for National Football League (NFL) in our Social & Influencer Marketing department as a Social Media Analyst. In this role, I analyze data across all of our @NFL social platforms to discover key learnings and uncover changes in user behavior. In short, I use data to help our social team be smarter about what/how we post on social media. I also lead reporting for all Influencer & creator content for the League.
The funniest thing to me about my current job is that I actually had little to no data experience when I applied. However, I had been working at the League for about a year in a different department and had established a reputation of being reliable, coachable, and driven. I took a leap of faith and applied for this new role and, to my delight, the social analytics team saw my potential and was willing to take a chance on me. 2 seasons later, I am so incredibly grateful that they did and I am learning more everyday.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Humility is very important to me and I think that’s been the most instrumental part of my success so far. There’s no task too small, nor is there any opportunity that I am above if it’s going to help me grow and learn. So many doors have opened for me in my career and my life by remaining coachable and eager to learn.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.missdallaspageant.com/
- Instagram: @taylorlaurenn__
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theMissDallasPageant/
Image Credits
Grant Foto Photography
Kimberly Hughes Photography
Be Grey Studio Photography
