Davis
LATHAM — Newly elected Capital Region President Shana Davis is seeking to continue the growing momentum among region members in getting involved in our union.
Born and raised in Albany. Davis graduated from Street Academy High School in June 1983.
She became a CSEA member in 1989 when she began her career at the New York State Department of Taxation & Finance.
Davis began her CSEA activism when she was appointed as a Tax & OCM (Office of Cannabis Management) Local shop steward in 2004.
“Activism and advocating share similar meanings; there are times in our lives that we need for others to advocate on our behalf,” said Davis. “We face many kinds of injustices whether it be social, personal, economic, etc.”
In 2006, Davis assumed the role of chair of her local’s Women’s Committee and was appointed as a local delegate in 2008.
She was elected as local secretary in 2013, a role she held until she was elected as Capital Region President. In 2016, Davis was elected treasurer of CSEA’s Capital Region, and was elected as Capital Region Executive Vice President in 2020.
Davis has served on the 2011, 2016 and 2021 CSEA Statewide Contract Negotiation Teams. She has also served on our union’s Board of Directors and on numerous committees, including the CSEA Statewide Joint Committee on Health Benefits, CSEA Statewide Temporary and Seasonal Committee and the CSEA Political Action Fund.
In 2005, Davis also graduated from CSEA’s Leadership Education & Development (LEAD) Program.
Davis extends her union activism to area labor organizations. serving as president of the Capital District Chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) and board member of the Capital District Area Labor Federation.
On the importance of activism, Davis paraphrases and expands on a quote from Langston Hughes: “Life for me has been no crystal stair, but you have to push your way through, and I am committed to advocating and serving in any capacity I can.”
Davis is a member and volunteer at Life.Church Albany and devotes time to numerous other community and charitable organizations.
She is also the mother of four children, Marquis, Nyree, Tiye and “bonus” daughter Nikiya, and grandmother to Estreja, Izabella, Emiri Grace and “a grandson in heaven, Izrael Izaiah,” said Davis. “My grandchildren are my everything.”
Davis holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and a master’s degree in Business Administration, both from the University of Phoenix.
Looking toward her first term, Davis said her priorities include continuing to “raise our momentum” in the region to build, grow and maintain relationships with members and leaders and find more creative opportunities on how to get more members engaged in the union and participating in union activities.
Davis also noted that her favorite quote is, “Life is not about the destination, but every laugh, tear, challenge, and triumph along the way,” partially attributed to poet Ralph Waldo Emerson.
— Therese Assalian
