Amira Davis

UCLA, Anderson School of Management

“I’m a revolutionary thinker who’s always strategizing to create equity and access for others.”

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Fun Fact About Yourself: I went to a performing arts high school, where I majored in vocal music and tech theater. Donald Glover went there, too.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Georgia, Business-Marketing

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Discovery Education, Social Impact Marketing Manager

UCLA Anderson is founded on the Three Pillars: Share Success, Think Fearlessly, and Drive Change. Which pillar resonates most with you and why? Drive Change resonates most with me, because it reminds me of an Angela Davis quote that I live by: “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” I’m revolutionary in my thinking because new things can’t develop in old systems without revolutionary ideas and actions. In order for progress to be made in any area, we have to fundamentally change the issues of inequity and inefficiency that lead to the marginalization of so many groups. Progress can happen overnight if instead of pulling up a seat at the table, we build the table we want to sit at.

What makes Los Angeles such a great place to earn an MBA? Los Angeles is such a vibrant place. There are so many phenomenal industries and companies that move the culture. Even outside of business, the natural beauty of the beach, mountains and desert create places of serenity and peace that keep you grounded.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of UCLA Anderson’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? During my visit for AROW (Admitted Round One Weekend), we had a mock business strategy class with Professor Ian Larkin that solidified my decision. His lecture truly challenged our thinking and highlighted the need for more empathetic and transformative leaders in the business world.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at UCLA Anderson? I’m most excited for the Global Immersion courses. My goal is to specialize in Global Management, so these immersions will be key in my development as a global business leader. They’ll help me understand and contextualize the cultural and geographic considerations for various regions in an experiential, real-world environment.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment in my career so far has been the success of my students. When I met many of them in 9th to 11th grade, they struggled academically and weren’t exposed to the myriad post-secondary opportunities available to them. Fast forward to 2023, many of them have pursued post-secondary education, taken up trades, or have jobs that are elevating their socioeconomic status. To see them not only thriving as adults but sharing how I impacted them warms my heart.

What do you hope to do after graduation? After graduation, I hope to work in strategy/consulting for women’s sports leagues to improve Immediately after receiving my MBA from Anderson. I envision directly contributing to operations and strategic initiatives of various international women’s sports organizations (e.g., FIBA and FIFA) through consulting. My work will directly impact the systemic issues leading to the inequity and inefficiency in these women’s sports landscapes. Ultimately, my goal is being the WNBA commissioner and utilizing my international sports experience to grow the number of teams and corporate partners, while expanding viewership and revenue. This will ensure the WNBA becomes the primary option for global basketball talent.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into UCLA Anderson’s MBA program? My advice to potential applicants is to show your authentic self. Your journey is unique and it has made you who you are. Lean into that and let your light shine through in your application, resume and interview. As Oscar Wilde once said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” Don’t try to fit into a box because your difference is what will make the difference.

DON’T MISS: MEET UCLA ANDERSON’S MBA CLASS OF 2025