Talia Davis, a 21-year-old political science major and history minor from Portland, has dirty blonde hair, a contagious laugh and a generous spirit. But those aren’t the reasons why she was nominated multiple times as one of the 25 Ducks that will change the world.
She is involved with several groups on campus, including the African Dance Team, the ASUO’s executive staff and Quack PAC, a local branch of a national organization that focuses on political activism and foreign policy in the Middle East. She helped initiate Quack PAC two years ago with an ultimate goal in mind: to create peace in Israel.
Davis discovered her interest in political activism and Israel when she was a senior at Grant High School. Her friend pressured her to tag along on a trip to Washington D.C. for a conference, which she initially turned down. After some persuasion she gave in, went to the conference and ended up falling in love with the idea of making a difference in the lives of those who need it.
Davis, along with other members of the Quack PAC, travel to D.C. every few months to meet with public speakers, journalists, novelists, congressman and other prominent figures to discuss foreign policy and the ongoing issues in Israel. The goal of these trips is to build relationships with people who share the same vision.
“I believe that people who are leaders now will be in leadership roles in the future,” Davis said. “So it is important for them to be involved in what’s going on in the world.”
Last December, she was even able to go to Israel and experience the country first-hand.
“I have had many discussions with Talia about her own peace plan in the Middle East,” said Rachel Brehm, Davis’ friend and fellow Quack PAC member. “Many believe that the conflict is unsolvable, but Talia’s faith and determination bring hope to those around her.”
That passion that drives Davis to do what she does every day comes partially from her Jewish roots, as well as her love for helping others. She attributes some of that to her parents, a doctor and nurse who instilled these values in Davis as she was growing up.
When she’s not traveling to D.C. or going to ASUO meetings, she loves spending time outside with her friends and participating in Oregon Hillel, a group for Jewish students.
After graduation, she would love to move to D.C. to look for additional opportunities for political involvement or even Israel where she could work for the government.