Cindy Davis, PhD
Chicago,Illinois
Work Preference
Summary
Public health PhD and licensed social worker with extensive crisis management and community engagement experience. Demonstrated success in enhancing health outcomes through strategic resource procurement and targeted support services. Committed to fostering health equity and improving quality of life for diverse populations.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Visiting Research Specialist: Social Sciences
University of Illinois
Chicago, Illinois
04.2023 - Current
- Contributed to qualitative research team projects and discussions.
- Prepared research reports and presentations for academic audiences.
- Participated in discussions and initiatives on HIHIPP, influencing program development and execution.
- Assisted in coordinating research projects and managing timelines.
- Contributed to team by providing oversight and coaching strategies that enhanced group effectiveness.
- Fostered relationships through community engagement activities.
- Coordinated resource procurement to ensure timely support for organizational projects and objectives.
- Provided education and support during group prenatal care sessions.
- Postpartum needs assessments
- Served as representative of research interests and needs on committees, panels and groups.
Social Work Case Manager
Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, Illinois
03.1996 - Current
- Social work, discharge planning, utilization management and psychosocial assessments for medically complex families in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and neonatal intensive care unit
- Collaborated with Child Protective Services team to evaluate child welfare cases, ensuring comprehensive support for at-risk families.
- Assessed needs of clients and families to determine eligibility for assistance programs, facilitating timely access to necessary resources.
- Coordinated services with community resources and support programs to enhance access to essential care for clients.
- Documented case notes and maintained accurate client records efficiently.
- Social Work Field Instructor/Educator
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Public Health
Walden University
Minneapolis, Minnesota07-2016
Master of Social Work -
Aurora University
Aurora, IllinoisBachelor of Social Work -
University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IllinoisSkills
- Research Methodology
- Health Equity
- Crisis intervention
- Mental Health First Aid – Adult
- Mental Health First Aid – Youth
- Community outreach
- Needs assessment
- Organizational planning
- SPSS
- Dedoose (Coding)
- Windows operating system
- MS Office Suite
- PowerPoint
- Word
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Resource acquisition
- Community outreach
Volunteer Work Experience
- 2026 - Rush Education & Career Hub, Advisory Committee
- 2025 - Women Empowering Nations Global Cohort Mentor
- 2025 - Community Advisory Board, University of Colorado School of Nursing Research Project
- 2024 - present, Housing Insecurity & Homelessness in IL Among the Pregnant & Parenting
- 2024 - present, Chicago United Solidarity Project Volunteer (Food Distribution)
- 2019, Summer Mentor – REACH Program, March of Dimes, Rush University
- 1995 – present, Teen Mentor/Educator for assisting high school and college students with career choices
- 1995 – 2009, Youth Outreach, Ministry Outreach, Cook County Jail, Dwight Correctional Facility, Haymarket Substance Abuse Center, Near West Half-Way House, Valley View Correctional Center, Illinois Youth Center – Warrenville, Jackson Park Hospital Substance Abuse Center
Awards
- 2012, Walden University – Residency 3: Orlando Florida, Final Project Group Recipient Winner (Dr. Cynthia Arroyo)
- 2011, Walden University – Residency 2: Arlington, Virginia, Final Project Group Recipient Winner
- 2009, Successfully drafted a proposal that resulted in a Women’s Board Grant Received for Infant Car Seat Safety Program
- 1990, 1ST Recipient of Aurora University’s Community Service Award
Publications
- 2016, Dissertation: “Prolonged Exposure to Non-School Related Media Use and Youth Violence”
Professional Presentations
- 2026, Black Maternal Health Event (AKA) - Presenter
- 2025, First Ladies Health Initiative – Black Maternal/Health Event - Presenter
- 2025, Black Moms Matter Panel
- 2025, American Sociological Association Annual Conference – Co-presenter
- 2025, REACH Panel Presentation (Allied Health)
- 2024, American Public Health Association Annual Conference - Presenter
- 2024, Illinois Health Equity Conference - Co-presenter
- 2017, The Role of Medical Stabilization In The Community – Optimal Health Care, St. Anthony Hospital, https://youtu.be/cJ8GYTyfmnQ
- 2017, Youth Violence and Non-School Related Media Use – Youth-At-Risk Conference, Savannah, Georgia
- 2011, Pastoral Responses to Traumatic Events of Children & Seniors
- 2010, Signs & Symptoms of Child Abuse and Neglect and Domestic Abuse for Social Work Month Conference, Rush University Medical Center
- 1990 – present, Co-facilitator of Seminars & Conferences, including: Parenting, Signs and Symptoms of Child Abuse & Neglect, Foster Care Expectations, Substance Abuse, Women in Prison
- 1995, WGCI Sima Ralston radio program with Dr. Bruce Peters
Certifications And Memberships
- Illinois Licensed Social Worker, 1990 – present
- American Public Health Association (APHA), Member
- Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative (ILPQC), Initiative
- Women Empowering Nations
Timeline
Visiting Research Specialist: Social Sciences
University of Illinois
04.2023 - Current
Social Work Case Manager
Rush University Medical Center
03.1996 - Current
Doctor of Philosophy - Public Health
Walden University
Master of Social Work -
Aurora University
Bachelor of Social Work -
University Of Illinois At Chicago