Devon Winsor ’17 Champions Access, Equity and Women’s Philanthropy at Davidson

Through her time as an elementary school teacher and now as a higher education professional in San Francisco, she has seen the barriers to education many students face and the significant impact of scholarships, leading her to support Davidson students and their experiences in this way. 

As a Women ACT ACTivator, you are helping to lead Davidson's initiative focused on women’s philanthropy. Why is this initiative meaningful to you as a Davidson woman?

Davidson gave me so much during my four years on campus — friendships, mentors and experiences that have shaped who I am today — and my philanthropic efforts have always been driven by a desire to give back to that incredible community. This initiative is especially meaningful to me because it unites a group of women who share that same deep appreciation for Davidson, whether through their own experiences or those of a loved one. Together, we are channeling our passion and commitment into creating meaningful opportunities for current and future students. It’s a rare and special opportunity to collaborate with like-minded women who not only value what Davidson has given us, but who are equally invested in ensuring the college continues to thrive for generations to come.

You have generously supported scholarships. Can you explain why this is important to you?

When I was working as a third grade teacher in a Title I public school in Washington, D.C., one of my incredible students shared her dream of becoming a doctor, but there was a hesitation in her voice. When I asked why, she replied, “It’s too expensive. I don’t even know how I’ll go to college.” I was deeply struck that someone so young and bright was already internalizing the barriers posed by the cost of higher education. That moment stayed with me and planted the seed for creating a scholarship at Davidson. Fast forward a few years, and I now work in higher education, where I see firsthand the transformative power of scholarships. I’ve become even more aware of the pivotal role philanthropy plays in opening doors for students and ensuring equitable access to an exceptional educational experience. I’ve also seen how institutions with much larger endowments are able to provide robust scholarship support that changes the trajectory of students’ lives. This has only strengthened my commitment to growing scholarship access at Davidson.

Can you share a couple of aspects of your Davidson experience that inspire you to stay involved as an alum?

A key goal of Davidson is to prepare students for “a life of leadership and service,” and that guiding principle has stayed with me — and many of my peers — since our very first days on campus. Davidson was a place where I could learn, explore, and inquire in a way that shaped not only my academic growth but also my sense of purpose. When I reached a point in my life where I was able to give back, Davidson felt like the natural choice because it had played such a pivotal role in shaping who I am.  I am also continually inspired by the intellectual diversity that thrives at Davidson. It’s a place where respectful dialogue and curiosity are encouraged, where people from different backgrounds and perspectives can come together to challenge and learn from one another. In today’s world, where such environments are becoming increasingly rare in higher education, I feel even more committed to helping preserve and strengthen that part of Davidson’s identity. Staying involved as an alum allows me to contribute to ensuring that future generations of students have access to the same transformative experiences that shaped my own journey.

As we continue to build a community of donors to the Women ACT initiative, can you share why it is important for women to see one another as fellow philanthropists and how you hope your gifts might help inspire other women to consider a leadership gift to the college?

Davidson truly punches above its weight when you compare the size of its endowment to other liberal arts schools of similar caliber. The college consistently delivers an exceptional educational experience, supports a vibrant community, and fosters lifelong connections — often with fewer financial resources than its peers. With this in mind, I believe it’s important for each of us to give back in whatever way feels most comfortable, whether that’s through time, expertise or financial support. I also see tremendous value in reaching out to fellow alumni to understand more about what impactful philanthropy might look like on a personal level. From my perspective, it is less about giving a certain dollar amount and more about giving back in whatever unique way is meaningful for you because that will create a more lasting impact.