From TA to Trailblazer: Mal Davis Reflects on His WOW Moments with Citizen Schools
When Mal Davis reflects on his time with Citizen Schools, one word rises above the rest: Pride. His journey—from Teaching Associate to Teaching Fellow—was full of transformational moments, not just for himself, but for the students whose lives he helped shape.
The WOW Moment That Sparked It All
For Mal, his most unforgettable "WOW" moment came during part of a High Impact Training (HIT) program. He was co-teaching and some of the young boys were his athletes from the school’s baseball and basketball teams. He saw first-hand how students blossomed when given the right tools and environment. At the end of the program, they took the students off-campus to a real gym facility. Their faces lit up as they lifted weights and trained in a professional space.
“They were so excited,” he recalls. “To see them do what they do best—but in the right environment—was powerful. The joy and energy were unforgettable.”
Girls Who Code: A Favorite Memory of Growth
Another memory that stands out? The very first Girls Who Code class in New York. These young women came from tough neighborhoods, but brought unmatched resilience and determination.
“Just like the young men, they were tough,” Mal says. “They paid incredible attention to detail and were committed to the outcomes from day one.”
Over the 10-week program, he watched them grow into confident, capable coders. Their capstone projects, presented in partnership with other campuses, marked an astonishing transformation.
“It was such a powerful experience. It reminded me that we’re all human—misconceptions melt away when we truly connect.”
Building Confidence That Lasts
Mal firmly believes that WOWs—hands-on, experiential learning opportunities—instilled a lasting confidence in students.
“They learned how to tackle challenges, how to ask for help, and how to pay attention to detail,” he says. “Humility and growth go hand in hand.”
While these moments may not solve every systemic challenge students face, they provide crucial stepping stones. “Even if the road ahead is tough, I hope they remember how they felt in those WOW moments as they head into high school and beyond.”
A Career Launched—and a Life Changed
Mal credits Citizen Schools with launching his career. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without Laura Burgos and Nadia K. Selby,” he shares. “They invested in me, and I’ve carried that forward.”
Today, as the Executive Director of Recruitment for The School District of Philadelphia, Mal continues to embody the values that defined his time at Citizen Schools: a service mindset, and a fierce dedication to uplifting communities of color and marginalized voices.
“I still keep in touch with some of the young people,” he says, smiling. “When I think about Citizen Schools, I can’t stop smiling. It’s about showing that zip codes shouldn’t determine opportunity. It’s about putting others first.”
Would he do it all over again?
“Absolutely. I wouldn’t change it for the world.”