Davon Wallace Interview: Chavez Policy Pulse (Alumni Edition)

To celebrate the incredible things our scholars are accomplishing, we went straight to the source and connected with some of our longest-serving teachers. We asked them to help us identify a former student whose journey was too inspiring not to share.

We sat down virtually with Davon Wallace, Class of 2022 and DC CAP Scholar recipient, to learn more about who he is, how he’s grown since graduating, and what he took away from his time at Chavez. Here’s what he had to say

Q: Let's start from the beginning. What year did you graduate from Chavez, and what do you remember most about your time here?

Davon: I graduated from Chavez in 2022. The thing I remember most about my time at Chavez was the home crowds on game days. They brought so much energy and passion that, as players, we felt like we had to win. That support created an environment that made representing Chavez something special.

Q: What did you go on to study or pursue after graduation?

Davon: After graduating from Chavez, I attended North Carolina A&T State University, where I studied Business Administration.

Q: Was there a teacher, coach, or staff member at Chavez who had a lasting impact on you?

Davon: Yes. Ms. [Michelle] Jones and Ms. [Teyona Posey] Kelly both played an important role in my development while at Chavez. They supported me, pushed me to grow, and helped me become the young man I am today. I’m grateful for their guidance and encouragement, and for the impact they had on my journey.

Q: So tell us, what are you up to these days?

Davon: I’m currently starting my first full-time role as an Accounting Associate with United Way of the National Capital Area. I’m excited to begin this next chapter of my career and continue building my experience in accounting and financial reporting.

Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of, and what did it take to get there?

Davon: My proudest accomplishment is being able to say that I was one of the few Black men from Ward 7 in Washington, D.C., to earn a bachelor’s degree. Getting there took focus, dedication, and purpose. I had to understand why I was on this journey and remind myself of that purpose whenever things got difficult.

Q: Looking back, how do you think Chavez prepared you for where you are today?

Davon: I think Chavez taught me about the part of success that people don’t always talk about: opportunities will not always fall into your lap. You have to advocate for yourself and put yourself in a position to succeed.

Chavez also showed me the true meaning of “dust yourself off and try again. There will be setbacks, but what matters is how you respond to them and whether you are willing to keep moving forward."

Q: If you could speak directly to current Chavez students, what advice would you give them?

Davon: My advice to current Chavez students would be to surround yourself with like-minded people. Don’t be so quick to try to fit in with everyone, because the people you keep around you can influence your mentality and who you become.

Make sure you keep ambitious, positive, and considerate people in your circle. Your environment matters, and the people around you should encourage you to become a better version of yourself.

Q: Before we wrap up, is there anything else about your journey you'd like the Chavez community to know?

Davon: I will be pursuing my master’s degree next fall, and I hope to have the opportunity to come back to Chavez, give back to the school, and share some of my time, experiences, and wisdom with the next generation of students. I want the students at Chavez to know that where you come from does not have to limit where you can go.

Q: Davon, thank you for taking time to share your story! 

Davon: Thank you!