XUSANA Davis
31 | State of Vermont | Executive Director of Racial Equity
Residence: Lamoille County
Career highlight(s): I'm most proud of the fact that my work has always been centered on the public interest.
Community Involvement: My community involvement has focused on historically marginalized groups. It has included legal education for school-age children, serving meals to unhoused communities, and access to the outdoors and land sovereignty for indigenous communities and people of color.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont? In Pre-K, my class once "performed" at a school show by memorizing state capitals. My state happened to be Vermont. Who knows, perhaps receiving applause from grownups after exclaiming "Montpelier" on cue primed me for Vermont subconsciously.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: If you point to a country on a blank world map, I can probably identify it.
Favorite Social Media and why: I don't use social media and it has been one of the best and easiest choices I've ever made for myself.
How has your job changed since this pandemic? During the pandemic, equity work has grown massively in demand, leading to a flood of inquiries from government, organizations, and individuals. Many have suddenly become aware of systemic injustice, and believe they are ready to confront it (time will tell whether they truly are). There are many more people discussing justice and equity, and looking to the state for answers and assistance.