Today we’d like to introduce you to Davia Lassiter
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As a kid, I was a voracious reader — magazines, newspapers, novels, you name it. I was reading Toni Morrison while I was in elementary school and began writing and editing for the “Boyd Bobcat” in second grade (s/o to Boyd Elementary School in Jackson, MS). I liked reading all types of stories but really loved reading about Black people the most. My grandmother had dozens of Jet and Ebony magazines, so I would read them over and over again. I learned about Black excellence through those pages. I would also talk with my grandfather about his life as a young Black man. Consequently, I found myself seeking Black stories and decided to major in journalism so that I could create publications featuring Black people. For example, I noticed that the magazines I would read barely featured Black people and I found that problematic. Majoring in journalism would be my solution. Over the course of my career, I’ve been able to tell the stories of Black people. From featuring Mocha Moms in a newspaper article to featuring Black students on the covers of magazines, it has always been important to me to shine a spotlight on Black lives (especially those of Black women). This has also been reflected in my educational journey. As a Ronald E. McNair Scholar at the University of Southern Mississippi, I was able to conduct and present research on Black women and beauty standards in Ebony magazine. As a graduate student at the University of Georgia, I defended my master’s thesis about Black “tweens” and “That’s So Raven.” As I inch closer to earning my PhD in Public Communication at Georgia State University, I have been able to develop subject-matter expertise on Black women, media depictions, coping mechanisms, and corporate workspaces. I look forward to continuing telling these stories, whether it’s through published research, books, lectures, and invited talks.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road was not smooth, but that is life. I experienced a lot of emotional trauma throughout my career and did not know how to cope. Therapy, prayer, and education was a game-changer. Microaggressions and misogynoir defined my experiences, but I didn’t let it break me. Now, I teach others about bias and how to advocate for themselves and others. The trauma has fueled me, and the work that I do is healing. I’m unstoppable.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
The pandemic was my fuel for a professional shift. I walked away from a 15-year career in communications, launched my website (www.iamdrlassiter.com), leaned into consulting via The Lassiter Firm, LLC (www.thelassiterfirm.com), and began teaching leadership at Georgia State and public relations and communication courses at the University of West Georgia. My first website was born out of a need to have a branded site, something I own, and www.iamdrlassiter.com was born. The name represents my initials (D. R. Lassiter) and my eventual doctorate (Dr. Lassiter). The site features my blog, social media, awards, and speaking engagements. I enjoy connecting with audiences and am available for in-person and virtual speaking opportunities. The Lassiter Firm is where I help job-seekers with professional branding: Resumes, LinkedIn, cover letters, and/or interviewing coaching. I also speak to different audiences about professional presence. I want to be a resource for people, so this work is very important to me.
What makes you happy?
My family. My dog, Cookie Thee Monster. Black people. My best friends of 30+ years (Keena, Bridget, and DJ). My good friends (so many to name). Working out. My sorority (Alpha Kappa Alpha). Beyoncé. Robert DeNiro. Mariah Carey. Usher. Dru Hill. Stevie Wonder. Live music. Good food (carbs!). Chocolate. True crime documentaries. Reading. Sleeping. Monthly massages. My students. My house. My life. Travel. God. Being a Black woman from Mississippi!
Contact Info:
- Website: iamdrlassiter.com / thelassiterfirm.com
- Instagram: @iamdrlassiter / @thelassiterfirmllc
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davia-lassiter
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelassiterfirmllc
Image Credits
Cullen Johnson
