Social Justice & Gifted Learners: Making a Difference in Our Communities

This session will address the natural inclination that many gifted learners have to correct the injustices in the world around them. A review of the stories of social justice- minded young leaders will provide insight into the skills needed to teach how to create impactful solutions and make an impact. Views from a variety of culturally diverse leaders will be shared along with practical strategies parents & educators can employ to support their young social justice leaders. Session discussion will feature stories of selected contemporary and historical young social justice innovators from across cultural groups. Stories featured will address concerns in a variety of domains: humanitarian; environmental; and diversity/equity & inclusion.

Dr. Joy Lawson Davis is an award-winning international scholar, equity activist, author, consultant, and keynote speaker with a distinguished record of scholarship in the field of gifted education. Her specific expertise is in increasing access and equity in gifted education programming for culturally diverse students, including those who are thrice -exceptional. Dr. Davis is a professor at Elmbridge University where she teaches and advises Masters and Doctoral level students. Davis is also an expert trainer with Solution Spaces LLC, a professional learning organization devoted to ensuring that all students have voice and agency in their learning with a particular focus on meeting the needs of high ability/advanced culturally diverse students by reframing learning environments and enhancing the teaching of mathematics. Davis has provided training and inspiring keynote messages with school districts, private schools, state agencies and international organizations, empowering them with best practices and resources to increase advocacy and enhance services for gifted learners who are often overlooked, marginalized and otherwise limited due to cultural bias, teacher training, and minimal family/school collaboration. She has shared her work across the United States, in Dubai, Turkey, South Africa and the Caribbean. Davis is the author of multiple publications, including six books, most recently - “Bright Talented & Black: A guide for Families of Black Gifted learners”; “Empowering Underrepresented Gifted students: Perspectives from the Field” and “Culturally Responsive Teaching in Gifted Education: Building Cultural Competence & Serving Diverse Student Populations”. Recently, she was featured in The Roeper Review as part their “Eminent Scholar” series. Dr. Davis also has an upcoming book featuring the work of scholars representing multiple cultures worldwide. The book is titled :“Creating Positive Futures: Addressing the Intellectual & Psychological Needs of underserved gifted students around the Globe” She is the recipient of multiple awards, including the 2025 Distinguished Service Award from the National Association for Gifted Children; the 2025 2e Center Hall of Fame Award from Bridges Graduate School for Cognitive Diversity and the 2024 Diversity Award from the Council for Exceptional Children/The Association for the Gifted.

Learn more at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjoybrighttalentedblack/