Wisdom of WOC: Insights on Leadership and Serving Your Local Communities with Davina Angus
The Wisdom of WOC is a weekly advice column where the WOC Community can submit its questions about fundraising and philanthropy, and have them answered by our founder, Yolanda F. Johnson, and special guest editors from the WOC community.
From Our Mailbag
Q: As a native Bronxite and first-generation Jamaican American, how have your roots shaped the way you approach leadership and service?
A: My roots mean everything to me. My parents gave everything, went through trials and tribulations, to ensure I had access and opportunities they did not have, to help shape the legacy and trajectory of success for our lineage. It's empowering. To know that I was the start of a new chapter for our family reinforced the idea that how I show up in this world and it matters. It is not only a reflection of my work ethic, but bearing my family’s name means, I show up representing all of their hard work and effort to help get me to where I am today. For that, I say “if my name is on it, there is a commitment to personal excellence”. That commitment to personal excellence ensures that when I show up as a leader for my team, and in service of others I do so at 110%. It is my way to honor my family legacy.
Q: You now lead an organization serving children in the same borough where you grew up. What does it mean to you personally to invest your leadership back into the Bronx community that helped shape you?
A: It is a full-circle moment in my career journey. I attribute many of my early character strengths built to growing up in the Bronx. Leadership, Humor, Honesty, Perspective, Spirituality, were groomed through facing obstacles and opportunities with Perseverance.
Then, using those same attributes to pour back into the Borough that truly help raise me. It was befitting that I take this time in my career journey to thank her/the Bronx by ensuring I can support the next generation of leaders who will continue a positive legacy on her behalf.
Q: With more than 16 years in nonprofit leadership, what is one leadership lesson you’ve learned that you wish more emerging women leaders understood earlier in their careers?
A: You know that saying “it’s lonely at the top”? It is true! When you get to a certain point in your career, there is no one to vent to. Find yourself a circle of trusted leaders/peers in industry that you can call upon to share ideas, thoughts, scenarios, situations, or (let’s be honest)...to vent! That circle will be the sounding board who will not only watch your journey but will be your biggest supporters throughout your career.
Q: How do you help highlight the strengths, resilience, and potential of the young people and families in the Bronx through your work?
A: Through support, access and opportunity. Fundamentally ensuring that our young people and families are able to thrive and shine, no matter their circumstances. Giving them the spaces to show up authentically and confidently throughout our varying programs.
Q: Nonprofit leadership can be demanding and deeply personal. What keeps you grounded and motivated in your work?
A: Time spent decompressing with my loved ones! The moments spent recharging with them allows me to come back to work everyday motivated to continue driving impact within the nonprofit sector.
Q: For young women of color who hope to lead and make an impact in their communities, what wisdom would you share with them as they begin their journeys?
A: Be open to varying perspectives. They will only enhance your leadership style the further you go within your career. Remember, every moment of your journey (good or bad) is a learning moment. You will either learn great things to take with you, or things you will know to leave behind you. Either way, it will make you a stronger leader, driving your impact, indefinitely.
Q: If you could speak to your younger self growing up in the Bronx, what is one piece of advice or encouragement you would give her today?
A: If the world ever doubts you…Never doubt yourself or your abilities! Trust in your faith, keep your eyes on the prize, and remember to be kind to yourself, always. Oh, and try the Thai food, you’ll love it, I promise!
This Week’s Expert
Davina Angus, M.Sc.
Executive Director
Hunts Point Alliance for Children
A native Bronxite and first-generation Jamaican American college graduate, Davina Angus, M.Sc., has dedicated her career to serving over 100,000 children and families across New York. Holding an M.Sc. in Nonprofit Management from the University of Massachusetts Boston, she brings over 16 years of nonprofit leadership experience to her work—grounded in a commitment to service, strategy, and gender equity.
Davina has held senior roles at organizations including New York Edge, the NYC Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL), the American Camp Association, and PENCIL, building major partnerships with corporations like NIKE and the WNBA, and raising over $1M in philanthropic funding. She now leads the Hunts Point Alliance for Children (HPAC), where she works to expand the hopes and potential of children in her beloved home borough, the Bronx.
A recipient of the 2026 Influential Women Media recognition, the 2025 Bronx Power Women Award, the 2023 Bronx Power List, and the 2023 BlueCross/BlueShield & Crain's Business Whole Health Heroes Award, Davina is a proud member of the Bronx Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
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Got a question about fundraising or philanthropy? Are you a woman of color non-profit professional with a question on career growth? Don’t be shy! We’ve got the answers. Send them our way.
