SACRAMENTO STATE
Made at Sac State
Maritza Davis
Vice President , Experiences and Social Responsibility ,
Sacramento Kings BA Communications and Public Relations
“ Sac State prepares you for real-life occurrences — how to calmly gather facts and then respond in an honest , ethical way ,” Maritza Davis says . “ In entrepreneurship , something is always happening , so you have to learn to think very quickly and figure things out as you go .”
Davis credits her undergraduate studies at Sac State with teaching her how to navigate crisis situations with grace . An entrepreneur since age 23 , Davis co-founded event marketing and production agency Unseen Heroes with husband Roshaun , whom she met at Sac State . The agency is responsible for several local flagship events like the Midtown Farmer ’ s Market , GATHER : Oak Park and retail concept store DISPLAY California . In 2018 , Davis became VP of Experiences and Social Responsibility with the Sacramento Kings , for which she oversees more than 350 annual events as well as the Kings Foundation .
“ We want young people to know that if you go to Sac State , you have the opportunity to get a great education and have a fantastic career ,” Davis says . “ Having resources available for students and connecting them to professionals is so important to the growth and inclusivity of our city . It inspires me to know that our future leaders are sitting in those classroom seats right now .”
What does your Sac State education mean to you ?
“ Sacramento State changed my life ! My Hornet education has provided me access to resources and networks that have elevated my impact . In 2013 , I co-founded an education nonprofit that now serves thousands of young men of color . Sac State has been critical to our success ; without them it would have not been possible .” Michael Lynch CEO , Improve Your Tomorrow
“ Sacramento State played an integral role in my early professional development . Specialized student clubs and programs like the Student Investment Fund and the Sacramento Semester capitol internship program helped me gain valuable hands-on experience and sharpen skills outside of the classroom alongside like-minded students . Not only did Sacramento State bring me lifelong friendships , but it helped me build a foundation that accelerated my early career . Thanks to Sac State , I was able to quickly fulfill my dream of establishing a scholarship fund to help support current students early in their own journey .” David Lopez Professional Investor University Foundation Board Member
“ Sacramento State provided me the opportunity to obtain a bachelor ’ s degree in English . Fulfilling that dream at 40 required tremendous support from family , but most especially from the university . My gratitude for their support led me to serve on the alumni board , where I ’ ve made community connections and found rewarding opportunities to give back to students and the university . These connections led me to my dream job as Community and Government Relations Manager for SAFE Credit Union , where I work alongside more than 50 other Sac State alumni . I will always be grateful for the opportunities Sac State gives me .” Amanda Merz Community and Government Relations Manager , SAFE Credit Union Past Alumni Association Board Chair
“ Sac State was the launch pad for me personally and professionally , and not just ( through ) the education received . There are so many resources provided that round out the entire person , including the Career Center , student life and so much more ! The Career Center was where I found my job at Big Brothers Big Sisters that became a long career for me , and student life allowed me to connect with others , from football games to organization nights . For me , joining a service club , my sorority Sigma Gamma Rho , built leadership skills , connections and service to my community . The degree is great , but the resources are immeasurable .” Rhonda Staley-Brooks Community Relations , Outreach and Events Manager , SMUD
38 comstocksmag . com | 2021