By Shawn Nowlin
Almost everyone remembers someone from high school who moved to the beat of their own drum. When others were bragging about their name-brand clothes and exchanging information for weekend house parties, they were more the type to collect posters of their favorite artists and write passages in their journal about what profession they are going to thrive in when they become an adult.
Two decades ago, there was a Black girl named Kianna Davis who embodied the latter. Today, Davis, 33, is an accomplished operations analyst with an impressive resume who recently made her foray into the podcast world.
“It’s called ‘Victory Lane Vibes,’ and it can be found on Spotify and just about every other podcast platform. The four friends that I do the podcast with represent different regions from all over the country,” she said. “Since we were kids, we all watched NASCAR. We came together last summer and agreed that since we talk so much about the sport, we should just start a podcast together.”
At an early age, it was clear that Davis was gifted and unique. Standing a solid 5’10, growing up, Davis was often the tallest in her class.
Her passion for NASCAR began around 1997. When former professional stock car driver Elliot Sadler made an appearance at her mother’s workplace, he left an indelible memory with the then-elementary school pupil. Her favorite drivers today are Bubba Wallace, Ryan Blaney, Austin Cindric and Tyler Reddick.
Born in Roanoke, Davis spent much of her childhood in the Star City. Her family eventually moved and in 2009, she graduated from Woodside High in Newport News.
After receiving the Marilyn Mead Burke and William J. Burke Washington Scholarship, she decided to further her education at the University of Mary Washington, earning a degree from the UMW Business School four years later.
“I feel like my transition into adulthood was pretty seamless because of my undergraduate experience. Discovering your voice and worth are two of the most important things we can do as human beings. It didn’t happen overnight for me, but when it did, there was no turning back,” she said.
Davis earned national exposure in 2012 when she went viral for pasting a photo of Justin Timberlake at the end of her April wall calendar with the words “It’s Gonna Be,” an homage to the popular N’SYNC song “It’s Gonna Be Me.”
Before she knew it, various national publications were asking to interview her for creating a popular meme. She even got to be interviewed on N’SYNC member Lance Bass’ podcast. “I had no idea that it would get that big. I just thought my friends would find it funny,” she said.
After college, Davis worked at Apple Ridge Farm. Before being hired at her current company, she was employed at Freedom First Credit Union, Hollins University and the technology company Power School. “I am so glad that I always followed my interests. I’ve learned over the years that one’s perception of you does not get to become your reality,” she said.
Through hard work, Davis has become a major presence in the online NASCAR community. The Space Camp graduate also has a strong passion for anything aerospace-related.
Davis, who is extremely close to her mother Donna, credits her rock for always encouraging her to dream beyond her wildest imagination. “There are a lot of awesome moms out there. Personally, I feel that mine is the best. There is no way I am in this chapter of my life without her love and support,” she said.
