Crystal Denise Davis

Crystal Davis (she/her) brings over 15 years of experience dedicated to supporting children and families, including a decade in the nonprofit sector. As the Parenting Program Director for Charleston County First Steps’ Parents as Teachers Program, she leads efforts to empower families and strengthen early childhood development in South Carolina’s Lowcountry.

Crystal’s dedication to advocacy and systemic change is inspired by her own birthing experience and commitment to eliminating Black maternal mortality and morbidity. Her expertise extends to postpartum support and perinatal mental health, particularly for women of color and their babies.

In addition to her role at Charleston County First Steps, Crystal serves as a Nonprofit State Policy Fellow with the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, advocating for policies that prioritize maternal and child well-being. As a co-founder of the Southern BEE Alliance and a member of the Beloved Early Education & Care (BEE) Collective, she champions collective and radical liberation to enhance quality of life for Black and Brown families.

Crystal’s commitment to community extends to her service as a board member of Postpartum Support International SC and as the Alliance Representative for the Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color (PMHA-POC). She completed the Cooperative Leaders and Scholars program in 2023 with the Cooperative Development Foundation, further strengthening her leadership in advancing equitable systems of care.

She draws inspiration from Maya Angelou’s words: “You may encounter defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter defeats so that you can know who you are, what you can rise from, and how you can still come out of it.”