The Puzzle: Blog

Meadow Davis is the Head of the Upper School and Assistant Head of School at Athenian School in Danville, CA.

   

1. What is your current role?

This is my second year at Athenian in northern California, as Head of Upper School and Assistant Head of School.

2. What is the core of your current job, on a day-to-day basis?

My role is at the intersection of the student and adult experiences in the Upper School. I think through the opportunities to strengthen the student experience, recognizing that the people who are most able to do that are the faculty. I am constantly asking myself, “How do I support and guide the faculty so they can support and guide the students??

3. What was your first job in education? What are the major steps you’ve taken since then?

My first job after leaving the Peace Corps and then the world of non-profit consulting was at Bowdoin College in Maine, as Director of the Women’s Resource Center. I then spent a decade in residential and student life at Bowdoin, including as Associate Dean of Students, where I oversaw everything from residential life to student leadership, to health education. I also worked closely with the Deans of Diversity and Inclusion to develop yearlong professional development opportunities for staff around issues of identity.

I left higher education in 2018 and went to Kents Hill, a boarding school in Maine, as Associate Head of School. There, I oversaw all internal operations of the school, including marketing and communications, academics, DEI, residential life, and athletics.

4. Have you had a career detour or surprise that has—perhaps in retrospect—served you well?

I was in the Peace Corps and my plan was to work with nonprofits on sustainable development, which is why I completed my masters in non-profit management. I spent several years supporting non-profits in a variety of roles. When I had my first child, I paused and thought about what I really wanted to do. I knew I wanted to work with women and girls and thought that working with college-aged women would be particularly compelling. Two weeks later, I saw an ad for the Director of the Women’s Center at Bowdoin College. It was my dream job, but I didn’t think I was qualified. I applied anyway and ended up getting the job. That’s how I shifted from being a consultant with non-profits to working in education. I found out later that the reason my resume was plucked out of the stack was because they saw my passion for the specific role.

5. What is something you learned about yourself through your current role?

In every role I’ve held, I’ve been an activist and advocate for young people. I’m often the person who is willing to say what no one else is saying, and I have had supervisors who have supported me and seen the value of having someone at the table who is willing to challenge, in order to help us be zealously student-centered.

When I got to California, I had to think differently about how to advocate, because the communication style is so different in California than it is in New England. I had to learn how to shift my approach in order to work most effectively with all of the potential partners to support students.

6. Where do you look for inspiration, support, and advice? Perhaps a specific person, group of people, author, thought leader, or community?

I still have mentors from Bowdoin and Kents Hill whom I talk to regularly. I am also working with a coach for the first time, and it’s been so helpful to have an external support to help me identify the challenges and learn new tools for navigating those challenges.

I have also found that students are some of the best teachers. When I sit down with students and say, “What do I need to know?” they can communicate in a clear and succinct way. Similarly, I have faculty members who help me see my blind spots. I am thankful for these adults and students who are truthtellers!

7. What is the best career advice you have received? From whom?

Find a mentor who can see, value, and challenge you. I think women sometimes feel like they have to do everything themselves, to prove something, rather than consciously advocating for help.

8. On your best days at work, what are you doing? What aspects of your job bring your particular joy?

Every time I meet with students it’s joyful. I just completed a series of senior exit interviews and loved hearing from students as I begin to think about next year. The conversations were about both human connection and visioning. This campus is so beautiful. Getting outside and seeing students and faculty across campus also brings me enormous joy. Finally, our faculty are exceptional at their teaching craft. Talking with them about how our school can meet the needs of students brings me great joy.

9. What advice would you share with those aspiring to leadership? What advice would you give your younger self?

When looking for a new job, take the time to fully understand the organization and position by asking a lot of questions, so that you can find the leadership position that brings joy and fulfillment and that energizes you. It can be tempting to just want “the next step,” but education today demands a lot, so it’s important to find a place and a role that bring joy, too.

10. Tell us about an item in your bag, in your office, or on your kitchen counter that captures the essence of who you are.

My daughter has been leaving me notes on in my office ever since she learned to write. (She’s now 15 years old.) I have encouraging post-it notes all over my computer from her. I am both a mother and an educator, and it’s been important to me to work in environments where my children and I can both thrive.

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