Based in Tacoma, Kayla Davis joined Inatai Foundation five years ago as a Program Associate on the Grantmaking team. Through the years her deeply relational approach to leadership, sharp attention to detail, and an unwavering belief in our collective liberation propelled her into several roles, including Program Manager responsible for building out the foundation’s program management work. She now serves as a Senior Manager of Operations on the Operations & Finance side of the organization. We asked Kayla five questions for her five-year anniversary with Inatai.
1. Where is your favorite place in Washington?
My favorite place in Washington state is The Tri-Cities. I love it for its warm summer weather, rich and vibrant culture, and amazing food that reflects the community’s diversity. The surrounding mountains and nearby water make it a truly beautiful place, perfect for both relaxation and adventure. Tri-Cities has a special energy that always makes me feel connected and inspired.
2. Which Inatai value resonates with you the most?
Collective liberation resonates deeply with me because it reflects the world I dream of, one where everyone has the opportunity to live freely, fully, and with dignity. It speaks to the world my ancestors deserved but were denied, and to the responsibility I carry to help build that reality for future generations.
Collective liberation reminds me that liberation is not something we achieve alone; it’s something we create together. When one community is oppressed, none of us are truly free. But when we work collectively, sharing power, resources, and care, we begin to create conditions where everyone can thrive.
Collective liberation calls me to move through my work and relationships with empathy, accountability, and courage. It challenges me to imagine beyond what it is and to contribute to what can be a world rooted in justice, abundance, and shared humanity.
3. What is an important lesson you learned over the last five years?
Over the past five years, I’ve learned that we are capable of anything when we come together. True power doesn’t rest in a single person or institution it lives within all of us. When we dare to dream collectively, co-conspire with courage, and take intentional action side by side, real change becomes possible.
I’ve also learned that our voices and lived experiences matter deeply. Who we are, our stories, our identities, and our humanity are both powerful and beautiful. When we bring our full selves to the work of collective liberation, we remind the world that transformation starts with people who believe in one another.
4. What do you think makes Inatai different from other organizations you’ve been part of?
What makes Inatai special are the people, the culture, and our deep commitment to Washington state. It’s the way we dream boldly and invest in powerful organizations that are working towards a more racially just and equitable world.
Inatai is special because of the intentional care we show not only for the communities we serve, but for one another. Every interaction, every collaboration, reflects a shared belief that change begins with relationships rooted in trust, compassion, and purpose.
It’s a rare and beautiful thing to be a part of a place where people lead with heart, hold big visions, and work collectively to bring them to life. Inatai is truly a special place.
5. Finish this sentence: Racial justice and equity are important to me because … they are basic human rights. Every person deserves to live in a world where their humanity is honored, their voice is valued, and their opportunities are not limited by race or identity.
To me, racial justice and equity mean creating systems and communities where everyone can thrive, not just survive. It’s about repairing harm and redistributing power, and ensuring that fairness and dignity are not privileges, but guarantees.
This work matters because our collective freedom depends on it. When equity is realized, we all benefit; when justice prevails, we all move closer to the world we deserve.
