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Dr. Davi Kallman was a Mexican, Jewish, disabled woman whose intersecting identities fueled her lifelong advocacy for historically marginalized communities. She was a published author, award-winning speaker, and bold institutional change-maker.

Dr. Kallman served as the District Dean of Student Engagement at Pierce College and taught Communication Studies as an adjunct professor at both Pierce College and Tacoma Community College. She previously served as the college’s ADA/504 Coordinator, where she led district-wide efforts to advance accessibility and disability rights.

She earned her Ph.D. in Health Communication from Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University, after completing her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at University of Texas at El Paso. Her research and practice focused on media literacy, intersectionality, and dismantling systemic barriers in education.

As a dyslexic scholar and disability advocate, Dr. Kallman was committed to ensuring individuals with both visible and non-apparent disabilities were seen, supported, and valued. Her lived experience informed her vision for a more inclusive and justice-driven higher education landscape.

 

Photo of Davi Kallman. This is a bust portrait of Davi, she is wearing a white and blue floral long sleeve shirt, she has short curly brown hair, and she is standing in front of Pierce College. There are clouds and trees in the background.

Davi’s heart and passion goes into her work. She does everything 110% with empathy and exemplary leadership skills. I am privileged to see what one woman can accomplish. She removed bias and changed the hearts and attitudes of our campus through her awareness events and training.

Jacqueline Schneider, MS, CRC

I have worked with Davi on Disability Rights issues for years and impressed with her knowledge, passion, and professionalism. She uses her own experience as a marginalized woman with a disability as the as the foundation to fully examine the systems that inhibit full access and inclusion to services for marginalized people with disabilities. Her lived experience combined with her formal education allow her to provide a wealth of knowledge and fresh perspectives to improve systems and create spaces that are more accessible and welcoming for all. 

Stephanie Woodward, JD