About our pastor
MEET our pastor:
Dr. Towanda Davis
"Pastor Tee"
Dr. Towanda Theresa Davila-Davis is a native of Miami, Florida and graduated from Bethune-Cookman University with a BS Degree in Communications and a Minor in Broadcast Journalism. She received her post graduate degrees, Masters in Risk Management and Insurance from Florida State University and a second Masters and Doctorate of Theology from Z. E. Brown Bible College.
Dr. Davis worked in the area of Human Services for more than 32 years in various areas of State and Federal Government. She also held many positions in leadership and training in her career.
Prior to her retirement from the State of Florida, in December of 2018 she served as the Florida Training Director for Social Security Disability for the Division of Disability Determinations. Currently Dr. Davis works in the Commissioners and Mayors Office as the Chief of Staff to Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox.
In 2018, Dr. Davis received her second diagnosis of Cancer. This time, it was Stage IV GIST (Gastroinstestinal Stromal Tumor). Nevertheless, she was determined to trust God. It was at this time, that she began the work of pastoring Elevate Church Tallahassee.
Elevate Church Tallahassee was birth through one of her most difficult times in life. Yet, in spite of her physical struggles, she believed that she heard the Lord say "The time is now." Just as Abraham did, Pastor Davis stepped out in faith..trusting in God. God has and continues to confirm His word that He is with her "every step of the way."
In her role as the Pastor of Elevate, her goal is to lead the people to the heart and the presence of God.
As an active member in her community, she continues her outreach efforts in her role as the founder of the Cancer Knockout Foundation. Dr. Davis also currently serves as the Regional Photographer for the South Atlantic Region of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
In 2018 Dr. Davis was selected as one of 25 Women you need to know by the Tallahassee Democrat, and is also a member of Leadership Tallahassee. Dr. Davis is also the owner and operator of Towanda Davis Wedding Photography, a 35 year minority owned business.
Dr. Davis is married to Christopher Davis. They have been married for over 25 years, and through this phenomenal union was birthed her greatest accomplishment - her daughter Kameryn Davis, of whom is her pride, joy and gift from God.
Dr. Davis is passionate about winning souls for Christ and believes that the Lord gave her an unconventional ministry with an unprecedented anointing to do just that....WIN SOULS!
Dr. Davis is inspired by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in challenge and controversy.”