Mekaelia Davis

Mekaelia Davis is a leader in economic inclusion and racial equity, serving as director of Black Family Economic Mobility at Ballmer Group. In this role, Davis leads national strategies and advises regional initiatives focused on dismantling systemic barriers and expanding pathways to economic mobility for Black families across the United States. Her work centers on addressing the legacy of systemic racism and leveraging civic engagement to foster economic opportunity, household wealth, and labor market success for historically marginalized communities.

With more than two decades of experience at the intersection of public and private systems, Davis has managed over $100 million in grants and investments dedicated to improving economic opportunity and racial equity. Prior to joining Ballmer Group, Davis was director of Inclusive Economies at Surdna Foundation, where she advanced grantmaking strategies to build a more inclusive economy and launched a new program-related investment fund. Her career also includes leadership roles at Prudential Financial and the Aspen Institute, as well as fellowships with the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Funders Network for Smart Growth. Davis’s expertise is recognized through her board service with Black Farmer Fund and her appointments as a senior fellow for racial equity with the Atlantic Institute and a global impact leader with Sorenson Impact Institute.

Davis is a public speaker and advisor, regularly featured at major conferences such as the Milken Institute Global Conference, where she shares insights on economic mobility, philanthropy, and racial justice. Her work continues to influence national conversations and drive systemic change, establishing her as a thought leader and advocate for a more equitable society.