Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christiana Davis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Christiana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about serving the underserved.

In my dual roles as an educator passionate about working with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and as a leader in worship arts at Macedonia Baptist Church, I’ve witnessed the profound impact of service on underserved communities.

At the Archdiocese, our mission extends beyond traditional education. We focus on empowering students through active reading, not just as a means of academic achievement but as a pathway to social justice. By fostering active reading, I enable students to engage critically with the world, advocate for themselves, and become agents of change in their communities.

At Macedonia Baptist Church, our worship arts ministry is a form of service that reflects God’s love and justice. One memorable experience involved a community outreach event where we performed a series of songs that spoke to themes of hope and resilience. Through our music, we create a space where people felt seen, valued, and uplifted. It was more than a performance; it was a communal experience that conveyed the message that they are cherished by God. This event highlighted how music can be a powerful tool for healing and connection, reinforcing our commitment to service and justice.

Both roles, while distinct, share a common thread: the dedication to serving those who are often overlooked and ensuring that everyone feels valued and supported. Through education and worship, we strive to address the gaps in our communities and uplift individuals in meaningful ways.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My journey into education and worship arts is deeply rooted in my experiences and passions. I graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in literature, where a senior-year course in children’s literature ignited my love for teaching. This newfound passion led me to create and publish my own book, reflecting on the rich experiences and insights gained during my college years.

Parallel to my academic journey, I have been immersed in music from a young age. Growing up in a strong Pentecostal household (Church of God in Christ), I began singing in the children’s choir at the age of four or five, and music quickly became a vital part of my life and faith. This early start evolved into a lifelong commitment to using music as a means to share God’s love and connect with others.

In my role as an educator, I am dedicated to creating culturally relevant curriculum and resources that make learning engaging and inclusive. My goal is to ensure that every student finds joy in their education and sees themselves reflected in the materials they use. By providing diverse and dynamic learning experiences, I help students develop a love for reading and critical thinking, which empowers them to address social issues and advocate for themselves and their communities.

In worship arts, I continue to use music as a powerful tool for ministry. My work in this field involves crafting musical experiences that uplift and inspire, helping individuals feel valued and loved through song. This blend of teaching and worship allows me to serve others in meaningful ways, fostering both spiritual and intellectual growth.

What sets me apart is the integration of my passions for literature, education, and music into a cohesive approach that emphasizes the importance of seeing and serving others as God sees them. I am most proud of the impact I’ve been able to make through my work, whether it’s inspiring a young reader or touching lives through music. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my commitment is to enrich lives through education and worship, making a positive difference in every community I engage with.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the ability to make my own mark in the world and inspire the next generation to become critical thinkers. Through my work in both education and worship arts, I have the unique opportunity to influence how individuals perceive and engage with the world around them.

Creating culturally relevant curriculum and resources allows me to shape how students approach learning and encourages them to think deeply about their own experiences and the broader world. Seeing a student light up with understanding or develop a new perspective is profoundly fulfilling. It means that my efforts are not just about imparting knowledge but about fostering a mindset that values curiosity, critical thinking, and empathy.

In worship arts, the power of music to touch hearts and minds is equally transformative. Through song, I am able to convey messages of hope, love, and justice, which can inspire people to reflect on their own lives and how they interact with others. The ability to bring comfort and encouragement through music, and to witness how it can uplift and unite a community, is incredibly rewarding.

Ultimately, knowing that my work has the potential to inspire and equip others to think critically and act compassionately is what drives me. Making a positive impact and leaving a legacy of thoughtful engagement and creativity is what I cherish most in my role as an artist and educator.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One important lesson I had to unlearn as a creative was the notion that investing in my craft early on wasn’t crucial. Early in my career, I believed that creativity would naturally flourish without a significant financial or time investment. However, I eventually realized that nurturing and investing in my craft from the beginning is essential for long-term success and growth.

The backstory to this lesson involves my early experiences in both teaching and music. Initially, I focused more on the immediate aspects of my work—like getting through lessons or performances—rather than considering the long-term development of my skills and resources. I underestimated the value of investing in high-quality materials, continuing education, and dedicated practice.

It wasn’t until I faced some challenges with project quality and creative blockages that I began to see the impact of this oversight. I noticed that those who had invested in their craft early were consistently producing work that was more refined and impactful. This observation made me reassess my approach and realize that investing time, effort, and resources into developing my skills and expanding my knowledge base was not just beneficial but necessary.

By embracing this new perspective, I started to allocate time and resources more strategically. I enrolled in workshops, invested in better equipment, and dedicated more focused time to my craft. This shift not only enhanced the quality of my work but also provided more rewarding and sustainable outcomes.

Unlearning this lesson has been transformative. It has taught me that creativity is indeed an investment, and starting early can lead to significant long-term gains. This approach has allowed me to grow more effectively and continue making a meaningful impact through my work.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @christiana_dav
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christiana.davis1
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsWix_Uljfk

Image Credits

Jonathan Adjahoe, JCKA Photography Inc.