Michael D. Davis-Thomas / MDDTSpeaks

Michael D. Davis-Thomas – Advocate, Scholar, CEO, Author, and Changemaker

My name is Michael D. Davis-Thomas, and I’m 27 years old, born and primarily raised in Detroit, MI. My life’s journey began amidst severe abuse and neglect, both at home and school. I endured years of verbal, physical, emotional, mental, and sexual abuse, becoming the scapegoat of my family. The weight of this burden led me to emotionally and mentally shut down, resulting in acting out and internalizing the trauma. Despite my attempts to escape, including running away and seeking help, it wasn’t until the child welfare system intervened that I finally found an exit.

For over eleven years, I was part of Michigan’s foster care and juvenile justice systems, cycling through more than 20 residential facilities, group homes, boot camps, and juvenile centers. These experiences shaped my understanding of the complex, often broken systems that young people in care navigate daily.

Upon aging out of the system at 18, I sought higher education, beginning at a community college before transferring to a four-year university. However, life’s unpredictability forced me to pause my academic pursuits to enter the workforce. This led to a challenging period of homelessness in Flint, MI, but also a pivotal moment in my life. I worked multiple jobs while returning to college, determined to build a better future. Today, I hold numerous roles as a leader, advocate, and entrepreneur, working tirelessly to uplift and empower others.

Current Professional Endeavors:

I’m the CEO and Founder of MDDTSpeaks, where I offer a comprehensive range of consulting services in child welfare, juvenile justice, criminal justice, education, and systems change work. I’m also the Host and Moderator of the award-winning and nationally ranked Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, which received an award in its first year. Currently, the podcast has completed two seasons, with a third underway, and continues to amplify voices and advocate for foster care and youth issues.

In addition to my entrepreneurial efforts, I serve as a Teacher and Juvenile Corrections Officer, working directly with youth in secure facilities, guiding them through transformative programs.

Key Independent Roles:

* Senior NYTD Reviewer for the U.S. Children’s Bureau, supporting federal programs.
* Federal/State Policy and Programming Consultant, providing expertise to shape better legislation and programs.
* Grant Reviewer for the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.
* Peer Support Specialist and Coach, mentoring others within the foster care, juvenile justice, and mental health systems.

Activism and Advocacy:
I’m deeply committed to advocacy and activism, focusing on children’s rights, juvenile justice reform, criminal justice reform, homelessness, education reform, and human trafficking. I work tirelessly as a Federal and State Activist to drive changes in policies that impact the vulnerable.

Educational Pursuits:
I’m currently pursuing a double major in Political Science and Law in Society with a minor in Public Administration. My long-term academic goal is to obtain two doctorates and a master’s degree, positioning me for future roles in public service, including aspirations to serve as a Congressman, Senator, Governor of Michigan, and ultimately, President of the United States.

Established Author & Policy Contributor:
As an established author, I have contributed through my advocacy and professional consulting work to the creation of multiple policies, technical briefs, and pieces of legislation including those developed in partnership with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention(OJJDP), The Administration for Children & Families (ACF) , The United States Children's Bureau (CB) and National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD). My most recent book, “Resilient Faith: Devotionals for Life’s Journey,” is a collection inspired by my personal journey of overcoming adversity through unwavering faith. The book aims to offer guidance, hope, and practical wisdom rooted in biblical stories and teachings to help readers navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience. With the hope that each devotional provides strength and inspiration. I also plan to continue writing, with the goal of sharing my story and developing educational tools for social work and criminal justice students, to help them better understand the complex dynamics of the systems they will work within.

Nonprofit Leadership:
I am also building my nonprofit organization, the Resilient Voices & Beyond Foundation, dedicated to empowering foster youth and providing scholarships and support for second-chance opportunities.

Volunteer Leadership & Board Roles:

* Former President of MYOI for Bay, Saginaw, and Genesee Counties.
* Former President for Michigan First MDHHS Statewide Foster Care Advisory Board.
* Chairman of the MDHHS Juvenile Justice Advisory Council.
* Member of numerous committees and boards, including Foster Care Alumni of America, FSM Higher Education Committee, State of Michigan CPS Reform Committee, and the Children’s Bureau CCI Reform Committee.

Awards and Recognition:
I have been featured in multiple magazines, articles, blogs, podcasts, and panels for my advocacy work, including Shoutout LA Magazine, Bold Journey Magazine, and more. I’ve had the honor of being nominated and awarded Advocate of the Year through the National Foster Youth Institute and have received awards for my advocacy both nationally and locally.

I am also featured in the Black Former Foster Youth Hall of Fame for my contributions and achievements in advocacy and reform.

Motivational Speaking:
I’ve had the honor of delivering motivational and keynote speeches across the nation, encouraging both young and old to strive and thrive. My message emphasizes that while we may have developed resilience out of circumstance, our current state of resiliency does not have to be circumstantial.

Entrepreneurship and Services:
Through MDDTSpeaks, I provide specialized consulting services in areas such as:

* Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) consulting.
* Child welfare and juvenile justice system reform.
* Criminal justice and education consulting.
* Human and sex trafficking prevention programs.
* Nonprofit management and leadership development.

Personal Goals:
In addition to my work, I am passionate about founding a scholarship program that offers full-ride scholarships to individuals in need of second chances. I also aim to assist third-world countries and underdeveloped nations in creating sustainable child welfare systems that preserve cultural heritage and traditions.

Core Belief:
Throughout all my work, I pride myself on being an obedient servant, honoring God first and foremost, enduring life’s struggles with faith and resilience, and supporting others. My legacy is rooted in servitude, leaving behind a trail of empowerment and positive change for future generations.