Andrea Rees Davies takes post as Clayman's Associate Director

As a former firefighter, Andrea Rees Davies is a master of getting the job done under pressure, as well as navigating and negotiating any situation with myraid conditions and players. This work, in conjunction with her illustrious academic career as a historian and director of research and programs at the Clayman Institute, has established her a leader and advocate for women and minority voices both at Stanford and beyond.

Davies has been promoted from her post as Director of Programs and Research to the Institute’s Associate Director. In her new role, Davies will run day-to-day operations at the Institute, including programming and events in serving the Institute's gender research scholars and the Stanford community more broadly, as well as spearheading the effort to solidify the future of the Clayman Institute and the next generation of feminist scholars. 

The Clayman Institute is in a period of tremendous growth as it expands the Voice & Influence program and various new initiatives. Amidst these changes, Davies is charged with a big task: She will ensure that the Institute keeps its focus on research and transforming lives. The Clayman Institute will remain the generator and conduit for new gender research while the Voice & Influence program seeks to put that research directly into action. “Andrea will ensure that the great work of the Clayman Institute continues," Lori Nishiura Mackenzie, the newly-appointed executive director of the Clayman Institute  said. "She will make sure the Institute’s bread-and-butter research doesn’t get sidelined by new initiatives.”

“My goal is for Clayman to continue to connect with all levels on campus: whether it’s working with undergraduates, graduate, staff, or faculty to keep translating gender research to transform campus culture and peoples’ lives.”

Davies, who has a Ph.D in history, has taught at California State University, Northridge, and Stanford.  She works on interdisciplinary solutions to advancing gender equality and has contributed to the Clayman Institute research projects on dual-career academic couples, women in technology, and women entrepreneurs. Davies’ years working as a San Francisco firefighter sparked an interest in the social consequences of disasters, leading her to write her 2011 book, Saving San Francisco: Relief and Recovery after the 1906 Disaster.

“I’m really excited to accept this role,” Davies said, noting the importance of maintaining relationships on campus and forging new ones. “My goal is for Clayman to continue to connect with all levels on campus: whether it’s working with undergraduates, graduate, staff, or faculty to keep translating gender research to transform campus culture and peoples’ lives.”