Aimée Eubanks Davis

THE 1954 PROJECT

2021

LUMINARY

Founder & CEO

Braven

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About the Leader

Aimée Eubanks Davis is the Chief Executive Officer of Braven, a national nonprofit that she founded in 2013 to help underrepresented college students develop the skills, confidence, experiences, and networks to secure strong first jobs after graduation. Braven provides first-generation college students and students from humble beginnings with the tools to land a quality first job and have a shot at economic mobility and closing the racial wealth gap. Forbes named Braven one of America's Best Startup Employers in 2022. Aimée's professional experience also includes executive roles at Teach for America as Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Engagement, Executive Vice President of People, Community, & Diversity, and Chief People Officer, where she effectively led large teams and their vital functions. Aimée and her leadership at Braven have been recognized nationally, including as an Obama Foundation Fellow. Aimée also serves on numerous leading education non-profit boards. Aimée has a bachelor's degree from Mount Holyoke College.

About the Work

Aimée Eubanks Davis, a proud Chicago South Side native and former 6th-grade teacher, founded Braven to address the unfulfilled promise of college for many young people. She saw that college, though considered a sure path to economic mobility, often lacked something crucial for students from humble backgrounds as they transitioned from higher education to the workforce. Braven’s mission is to empower college students by equipping them with skills, networks, experiences, and confidence to secure strong first jobs. In collaboration with forward-thinking higher-education partners, volunteers, and employers, Braven supports these young individuals on their journey towards meaningful careers and lives of impact.

THE 1954 PROJECT

Investing in Durable Leadership & Institutions

The 1954 Project identifies visionary education leaders whose work is strengthening Black communities and invests in them and what they are building with significant, flexible capital and long-term relationship.

Named for the year of the Brown v. Board of Education decision, The 1954 Project honors that promise by backing leaders closest to the work with resources that follow their vision.