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Katie Davis
Founder at Forthright Advising - Smart communication strategies for organizations that love kids.
Professional Background
Katie Test Davis is an accomplished leader with over 16 years of experience dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and families through strategic communication and marketing efforts. As the founder of Forthright Advising, Katie has built a nationwide public relations and marketing firm that prioritizes the well-being and success of youth. Situated at the intersection of passion and expertise, her organization exclusively collaborates with child-and-family-focused entities and pioneering public school districts across the United States. Under her leadership, Forthright Advising has gained a reputation for providing innovative solutions tailored to client needs, all while promoting the importance of education and family support.
Katie’s impressive career trajectory reflects her unwavering commitment to children and education. Before establishing her own firm, she held prominent positions in various organizations, including serving as the Communications Director at the Children’s Law Center, where she honed her skills in advocacy for child welfare. Additionally, her roles as Vice President at Spitfire Strategies, and in various communications capacities at ASCD, have equipped her with a broad perspective on issues affecting children, families, and educational institutions.
Education and Achievements
Katie Test Davis earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the renowned University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a program known for graduating future leaders in the field of communication. In pursuit of further enhancing her expertise, she also delved into Corporate Communications at Elon University, equipping herself with essential skills applicable to both the nonprofit and corporate sectors.
This strong educational foundation has significantly contributed to Katie’s ability to create impactful messaging and foster collaborations geared towards systemic change for children and families. Her academic background, paired with extensive professional experience, has positioned her as a thought leader in the field.
Notable Contributions
As the founder of Forthright Advising, Katie has not only provided her clients with strategic insight and direction but has also launched various initiatives aimed at elevating the discourse surrounding child welfare and educational strategies. Her previous roles further highlight her dedication to the sector:
- Communications Director at Children's Law Center: In this capacity, Katie was instrumental in advancing advocacy efforts for children's legal rights, facilitating impactful communications that influenced policy and public perception.
- Vice President at Spitfire Strategies: Here, she led significant outreach efforts, collaborating with clients to develop compelling narratives that resonate with stakeholders.
- Communications roles at ASCD: Katie’s tenure at ASCD required her to manage complex communication strategies, providing valuable insight into educational policies that impact both teachers and students alike.
- Public Affairs and Communications at District of Columbia Public Schools: Katie started her career with a solid foundation in public education systems, understanding the intricacies of public relations within an educational context.
In addition to her prominent positions, Katie has also dedicated time to internship roles at major education sectors, refining her skills and gaining firsthand experience in public information management.
Katie’s journey is marked by her continuous commitment to improving educational policies and practices, driven by her love for children. Her distinct blend of passion, education, and experience positions her as a prominent figure in the field of child and family advocacy.
Achievements
- Founder of Forthright Advising: Successfully built a leading public relations and marketing firm focused exclusively on child-and-family organizations.
- Communications Director at various organizations, empowering children and families through strategic messaging and advocacy.
- Education Advocate: Contributed to improved educational outcomes through innovative communication strategies and initiatives.
- Thought Leader in child welfare and education, actively shaping discussions and policies through expert insight.
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