Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherrica Davis Hunt.
Hi Sherrica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I live by a powerful motto: “Hunt For Greatness.” To me, greatness isn’t about titles or accolades, it’s about striving to be better than I was yesterday, embracing resilience, and inspiring others to do the same. My life is a reflection of that belief, shaped by faith, family, and an unwavering commitment to purpose.
My journey began in childhood, guided by the strength of my grandmother, who lived with polio yet found meaningful ways to serve her church community. At just eight years old, she handed me a script and asked me to make calls on her behalf—reminding choir members of rehearsals and notifying the congregation about daylight saving time. As an introverted child, those calls were intimidating. But they taught me invaluable lessons: how to speak with confidence, the importance of sharing information, and the power of being seen. Years later, at her funeral, people still remembered those calls. It was a reminder that small acts of connection can leave a lasting impact.
My mother reinforced those lessons, instilling in me the power of presence and voice. She placed me in schools and activities where I was often one of only a few Black students, preparing me for a world where belonging wasn’t guaranteed but could be claimed through excellence. My Aunt Sherry added another dimension: style and grace. Shopping trips with her became lessons in confidence and the art of showing up to show out. It was my proof that how you present yourself matters.
The miracles of my children inspire my theory on life. My daughter, Madisyn, was expected to miscarry due to a subchorionic hemorrhage, and my son, Kaven, was born with congenital glaucoma, causing blindness. Today, Madisyn is a bright-eyed, competitive cheerleader, and Kaven is a curious, lovable second grade straight-A student who, after two corneal transplants, has vision. These experiences deepened my belief that purpose and perseverance can overcome any obstacle. My husband, who has been with me for over a decade, has taught me the value of joy and peace in all my work.
One of my defining moments came when I emailed Shirley Franklin, then Mayor of Atlanta, who had recently spoken at my alma mater, Talladega College, and was also my sorority sister. I was preparing to move to Atlanta and took a chance, thinking I’d never get a response. Within 24 hours, she connected me to several people across the city. That bold step taught me that networking isn’t transactional—it’s transformational. When you connect the dots with intention, great things happen.
For over two decades, I’ve built a career spanning domestic and international marketing, business development, and higher education. My work has taken me from Atlanta and New York City to Rome, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. I’ve served in leadership roles across investment banking, technology, human resources, nonprofit, and academia—always driven by results and a passion for inspiring others.
I began my journey in investment banking at a boutique firm on Wall Street, working as an analyst in the public finance division. The ironic part? I had absolutely no background in finance. I had interviewed with the managing director for a temporary assistant role while attending business school. After reviewing my resume, he looked at me and asked, “Why are you interviewing to be an assistant while pursuing an MBA?” I smiled and said, “Because I need a job.” That moment changed everything. He told me that if I brought my interpersonal skills, they would teach me everything I needed to know about public finance. And they did. I found myself in high-level positions where I could apply my biology degree in unexpected ways, analyzing data to construct financial modules for investors proposals.
That experience opened doors. I went on to work for a startup technology firm in Marietta, Georgia, where I built the marketing and communications division from the ground up. Under my leadership, the firm was recognized by Atlanta Tribune Magazine as one of the Top 25 Black-Owned Businesses of 2014 and became a finalist for the Southeastern Software Association Impact Awards. Additionally in Atlanta, I expanded my creative reach, contributing as a freelance marketing consultant for Kontrol Magazine, one of the city’s premier lifestyle, entertainment, and high-fashion publications. I also served as a marketing assistant for the Georgia Force Arena Football team and interned with Raving Brands, gaining hands-on experience in brand development and consumer engagement. Each role sharpened my understanding of creativity, strategy, and the power of storytelling. More importantly, they taught me how to build narratives that connect people to purpose—and that’s a skill I carry with me in every chapter of my journey.
As the inaugural Director of Institutional Advancement at Bishop State Community College, I raised over $1 million in scholarships and emergency funds during the pandemic and launched G.L.A.M. (Girls Learning About Manufacturing) to close the gender gap in regional manufacturing. Today, as the first Assistant Vice Chancellor for Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Southern Illinois University Foundation, I develop strategies to engage identity-based alumni affinity groups and advance an inclusive culture. I co-created Saluki Women’s Weekend, an initiative to cultivate the next generation of women philanthropists and servant leaders.
Throughout my career, I’ve learned to be a thermostat setting the tone in every environment, whether tranquil or chaotic. I don’t just think outside the box; I erase it. I’ve often been the first in many of my roles. My entrepreneurial spirit and strategic mindset have made me a go-getter who inspires others to invest in themselves and the causes they love.
I’ve taken all of my lessons and written a book titled Networking & Lattes: 10 Steps to Effective Networking, offering practical advice drawn from my own journey to show how connectivity can change your life. I’m also launching a consulting company focused on empowering teens and emerging adults to understand the power they hold in networking—a skill that can open doors and transform futures.
I hold a BA in Biology from Talladega College, an MBA in Marketing and Finance from St. John’s University, and a professional certification in Human Resource Management from NYU. I’m currently pursuing a doctorate in Higher Education Administration. My leadership training includes Leadership Mobile, Leadership Alabama Initiative, and FOCUS St. Louis Women in Leadership. I’ve been honored as a Mobile Bay Magazine 40 Under 40 and a Women’s Policy Institute Fellow.
My commitment to service extends beyond my career. I serve on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Illinois and the Jackson County CEO Program, with an emphasis on preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
My favorite quote is by Oprah Winfrey: “No gesture is too small when done with gratitude.” It reflects my belief that impact begins with intention. Whether I’m raising millions for scholarships, creating spaces for women leaders, or mentoring the next generation, I continue to Hunt For Greatness—fearlessly, authentically, and with purpose.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As Sarah Jakes Roberts says, “You cannot have the promise without the progress.” My progress came with challenges that tested my faith and resilience. In just three years, I lost my best friend, my grandmother, my father, and my uncle, back to back. Those losses changed my perspective on life and purpose.
I spent four years majoring in pre-med, convinced I wanted to be a doctor. But after graduation and a move to Atlanta, I realized that was not truly what I wanted. That pivot came with learning curves: being fired twice, working low-wage jobs to gain experience, and meeting people who weren’t always sincere. The list goes on.
But here’s the truth—I am grateful for every single one of those experiences. They shaped me. They taught me lessons I could not have learned in a classroom. Every challenge connects to why I do what I do today and how I think. Self-discovery and confidence have been my biggest hurdles. In my 20s and 30s, I was constantly trying to force puzzle pieces that did not fit.
I have learned to trust the process. I understand my value and know who I am. When people ask me, “What’s next?” my answer is simple: I do the work, and the right opportunity will come my way. It’s easier for me to say this now, as I was a nervous wreck in my 20s and 30s. But that is the power of reflection.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I serve as the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Affinity Philanthropy and Strategic Initiatives and the Chief Diversity Officer for the Southern Illinois University Foundation—a comprehensive, research-intensive four-year university in Illinois. While many might label me a fundraiser, my specialization is being a bridge. I connect people to the causes they care about, helping them discover how they want to give and why it matters. My role is to provide information, build relationships, and connect the dots in ways that demonstrate synergy and impact. What I love most about my work is the opportunity to engage with individuals who may have been overlooked or unheard—especially those from underserved and underrepresented communities. Philanthropy often carries stereotypes that can alienate people, but I strive to break those barriers. My passion for this work was shaped by watching my mother purchase her first home. After my father left when I was 13, my mom had to start over, moving back in with her mother in her 40s. The shame and guilt she carried were heavy, but she began a conversation with a realtor despite having no money and poor credit. That realtor could have dismissed her, but instead, she stayed connected for three years—sending holiday cards, checking in, and showing her homes to keep the dream alive. When my mom was finally ready, that same realtor was by her side. She saw my mom’s potential and treated her with first-class respect. That’s the kind of impact I aspire to make every day. It’s not about the amount—it’s about the intention and the legacy you want to leave. Now our family is in its third generation of home ownership. Yes, my field has metrics and goals, but I believe in building strong foundations, honoring the process, and trusting that progress will come. One of my proudest accomplishments was launching the inaugural advancement office at a two-year historically Black community college—right at the onset of the pandemic. I started with a spreadsheet of 30 names and a few boxes. From that, I built systems, raised over $1 million (where $20,000 had once been considered a success), hosted a virtual gala with celebrity Ricky Smiley, and provided scholarships, food-insecurity grants, and funding for a new building and a renovated building. What made it even more special was the location, right across the street from the housing project where my grandmother raised her children. On tough days, I’d park in the vacant lot and talk to her spirit. That connection kept me grounded. I’m known for my ability to connect with people. It’s simple, but it’s my gift—and I’ve come to accept that not everyone can do what I do. What sets me apart is my willingness to take responsibility, remain humble, work the process, and find joy in knowing that my gifts and talents will always make room for me.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I’ve learned that risk-taking is never easy, but it is often necessary for growth. The biggest risk I ever took was moving to New York City for graduate school—with no job lined up. Initially, that was not the plan. I worked for a company in Atlanta with a satellite office in NYC, and the plan was to transfer to the NYC office while pursuing my MBA. However, just a month or two before my move, the company downsized and closed that office.
My mind was made up, though. I thought, “I will land a job—I have experience.” Nevertheless, reality hit hard. We were in the middle of a recession, and I could not even find work in retail. My family thought I was crazy for leaving a stable job with benefits to relocate to the unknown. If I had to be completely honest, it was tough. I lived with a friend’s family member, survived on Chipotle burritos and New York pizza slices, and kept my groceries in a mini-fridge. The struggle was real.
However, that risk paid off. I eventually landed an internship and ultimately worked on Wall Street. It taught me that risk can lead to success, but it is not easy—it requires sacrifice, resilience, and faith.
Even today, I take risks. Four years ago, I relocated my family to rural Illinois, far from any relatives, trusting the process. Now, we are thriving, and my kids call this home—even though Atlanta will always be my forever home. Risk-taking, for me, is about believing in the vision, doing the work, and trusting that the right opportunities will come.
Pricing:
- If you’re looking to grab a copy of my book, Networking and Lattes: 10 Steps to Effective Networking, you can purchase it directly at sherricadhunt.com. It’s packed with practical insights and personal stories to help you build authentic connections that transform your life and career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sherricadhunt.com/
- Instagram: @networkingandlattes
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14QGdijK6kC/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherricahunt/
