By Lookout Staff

March 12, 2025 -- Santa Monica State Sen. Ben Allen has named longtime education advocate Shari Davis as women of the year for Senate District 24, which stretches from Malibu to Palos Verdes.

Allen, who began his political career as a member of the local School Board, praised Davis for her "many years of service advocating for and empowering students, children, and vulnerable families."

The Senator cited Davis' "instrumental" role in fighting for and helping pass 14 local ballot measures "that have helped provide quality public schools and early childhood education to the area."

“Shari has been an incredible advocate for local students at all levels for many years now,” said Senator Allen. “She is selfless, focused on improving our educational systems through advocacy and political change, and a great educator to boot."

As Co-Director of the Santa Monica College Public Policy Institute, Davis recently worked with the Santa Monica College Foundation to organize donation drives for victims of the Palisades Fire that destroyed 6,662 structures.

She recently served on the Board of Directors of The Children’s Partnership, a nonprofit that provides access to services for "under-resourced families and children."

Davis has also served on the boards of numerous organizations that address homelessness, affordable housing and early childhood "wellbeing."

Davis says she strives "to inspire students to become agents of change and to engage in the civic life of the communities in which they live, work and study."

Davis served as campaign co-chair for Measure SMC, Santa Monica College's $375 million bond measure approved by voters in 2022 and ran for City Council in 2012.

“I have long worked to ensure that all students in our communities have access to quality educational opportunities, by identifying ways to generate adequate financial resources for our public schools,” Davis said in a statement.

“Excellence in education from early childhood through high school and beyond can help prepare current and future generations for successful lives, civic engagement, and to step into important roles of leadership.

"I am truly grateful for Senator Allen’s recognition today of my years of work."