Karlene Davis is a highly experienced leader and director. She trained as a Nurse in the 60’s and later as a Midwife. She further qualified as an educator and ultimately became the Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Midwives in the United Kingdom (U.K.) She is recognised as one of the most senior black women in the U.K. health professions and is the country’s first female black trade union leader.
Karlene’s professional career has spanned over four decades, throughout which she has operated at the highest level of government influencing policy, both in the U.K. and internationally. She held the Presidency of the International Confederation of Midwives (world – body for midwives) from 2005-2008. A highly experienced and accomplished speaker, Karlene has chaired and spoken at conferences in Europe, Asia, the Middle and Far East, Africa and the Caribbean.
During her illustrious career Karlene has gained a veritable palette of knowledge and skills, and holds Honorary Doctorates from eight universities including the University of the West Indies. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine and has received lifetime achievement awards for her professional and community contributions. In the Queen’s Birthday Honours of 2001, Karlene was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire.
Among her voluntary activities is patronage of three charities. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as exploring new cultures through travel.