Davina Coleman
Vision to Execution
story by NAKEISHA DAWSON THOMPSON photos by CHARLOTTE BERKELEY
Meet Ms. Davina L Coleman, affectionally known as “The Fly Principal.” She is the principal of Whale Branch Early College High School in Seabrook. Davina is an inspiring educator dedicated to teaching and helping students reach their full potential. She was born in Louisiana and raised in Savannah, Georgia, where she completed her K-12 education. Davina is one of four children to Ronnell and Daphanie Coleman. After graduating from high school, she obtained her bachelor of arts in Business Administration from Mercer University, where she minored in Mathematics.
Despite not initially wanting to be an educator, Davina taught marines, sailors, and their dependents while she was stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii with her former spouse. Her work as a math instructor for the Military Academic Skills Program (MASP) became a turning point in her career path. She had the opportunity to prepare adult learners in just four weeks to retake their ASVAB for job advancement and be successful on the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) to enroll in college. During her tenure at the Joint Education Office, she had the pleasure of instructing over 500 marines and sailors. Davina quickly fell in love with teaching, and she obtained a master of arts degree in Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades) from Western Governors University.
Davina encountered numerous challenges throughout her journey. Despite facing heartbreak and divorce while stationed at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, she refused to let it shatter her dreams. Instead, she poured all her emotions and energy into her career. Davina pursued her passion for education and worked as a math teacher at Beaufort Middle School (BMS) under the guidance of Carole Ingram. After her five-year tenure at BMS, she became a Numeracy Coach at Robert Smalls International Academy (RSIA). Her exceptional work as a Numeracy Coach after two years quickly earned her a promotion to assistant principal under the direction of Jennifer Morillo. She served at RSIA for five years.
Davina faced yet another challenge in her life when she was diagnosed with severe fibroids during the pandemic. This diagnosis, which she received the day before her birthday, threatened her ability to have children. However, she refused to let this setback stop her from pursuing her dreams. She stated, “What I may not be able to birth from my womb, I can never be stopped from birthing what I see in my mind.” After the diagnosis, Davina began researching the topic of childbirth extensively, hoping to find a solution to her problem.
During her research on childbirth, Davina had a revelation about the vision-birthing process and why women often fail to achieve their visions and dreams. She realized that many women do not succeed because they fail to fertilize their visions with belief. Due to their lack of faith, they experience vision abortions, miscarriages, and stillbirths. Davina was determined not to let this happen to her, and she continued to believe in her vision with unwavering faith.
Davina believes that “vision abortion occurs early in the vision-birthing process.” She explains that “aborting visions is not a haphazard decision. It happens through a deliberate decision made independently or with the help of others. Visions can be aborted for various reasons, such as fear, lack of resources, self-worth, rejection, procrastination, lack of support, and preparation.”
Vision miscarriages “happen due to life events such as marriage, motherhood, schooling, the death of a loved one, or any other situation that forces women to put their dreams aside.” Davina points out that “women’s selfless nature can be both a blessing and a curse. It can make women put their visions on the back burner to support others.”
Davina highlighted that “vision stillbirths can seem healthy and promising initially but ultimately fail to come to fruition.” To illustrate this point, she said, “Have you ever seen someone start a business enthusiastically and excitedly? You share their business on social media and feel proud of their accomplishments. However, after a year or so, the business is no longer operational. What you witnessed was a vision stillbirth. These kinds of failed endeavors appear to be healthy deliveries initially but ultimately fail to materialize. It is critical to identify the reasons for vision stillbirths to avoid experiencing them in the future.”
During her time of recovery from surgery due to her diagnosis, Davina started to feel boxed in by the field of education. She had dreams and aspirations and felt like the four walls of a school would not allow her to pursue her purpose relentlessly. Her passion for being an educator dwindled, and she prepared to walk away. Despite birthing her visions at the forefront of her mind, Davina also knew the importance of her obedience to God’s call on her life, regardless of how she felt and what she saw in front of her. After continued prayer and seeking clarity and focus, Davina decided not to step away from education, and she was promoted to principal at the best-kept secret in Beaufort, Lady’s Island Elementary School, in July 2021. After one year and four months at the elementary level, Davina was quickly promoted in November 2022 to the principal of Whale Branch Early College High School, the “home of Warrior Nation, where they are warriors on the path of excellence.”
Davina wears many hats and wears them fashionably well. She takes pride in being the principal of Whale Branch Early College High School, where she is dedicated to serving her students, staff, and community. Additionally, she has founded Davina L. Coleman Education Consulting, which helps leaders move from vision to execution. Davina is also an accomplished international speaker, lecturing at a conference in Bali in November 2023. Davina is the Youth Pastor at Love House Ministries under the leadership of her spiritual parents, Apostle Randy and Pastor Theresa Roberts. She considers the role of Youth Pastor to be the guiding light for all her other responsibilities.
Davina has had to endure life trials and tribulations, all of which is a reminder to her that “pain will birth purpose if you do not give up in the fight of life.” As a teenager, she was abused by a trusted member of her church congregation after a Sunday morning service. This traumatic event caused her to build a wall around her heart for some time. However, she eventually realized that she had a choice to either blame God or the individual responsible for the abuse. Deciding to hold the perpetrator accountable, Davina chose to forgive, recognizing that forgiveness is not for the other person’s benefit but for your well-being. “There is pain in forgiveness,” she stated. “It is not easy.” Despite her challenges, Davina has shown immense bravery and resilience, and has used her experience to guide and mentor young people. She understands that children often go through difficult times, and her mission is to help show them the love of Christ.
Davina’s passion for education has taken her to new heights and is catching fire as she continues leading at WBECHS. She says, “The community at Whale Branch Early College is like no other. Everyone is very supportive, and the students are destined for greatness. I love my Warrior Nation family and proudly wear my purple and gold.” When she started working at WBECHS, she quickly earned the trust and respect of both staff and students. They have moved from Uniting the Village to their Genesis (A New Beginning), Ready-Set-Go (preparation, position, take-off), and now, Warriors on the MOVE for the 24-25 school year.
Davina is currently working on multiple projects. She is a published author of “Embracing Genesis: A Guide to Move You from Vision to Reality” and plans to release an updated version in 2025 titled “Embracing My Genesis: A Guide to Move You from Vision to Execution.” She has designed a principal’s planner and notebook, and is working on additional planners and notebooks for instructional coaches and assistant principals. These products are designed strategically to focus on personal and professional goals, so leaders will always remember to birth their visions. They will be available on her website, www.DavinaLColeman.com, and on Amazon starting June 2024.
Davina is an inspirational leader dedicated to helping others, whether individuals or businesses, execute their vision. Her commitment to enhancing leadership and executing visions is unwavering, and she is always prepared for whatever the future may hold. Hence, she is currently pursuing a doctorate of education in Educational Leadership at Youngstown State University. Davina believes that “when you honor God in all you do, you can expect Him always to cherish you.” Lookout Beaufort, Davina L. Coleman is a woman on the move making an impact wherever she goes.
