Kazmir Davis

Kazmir Davis has served as principal of YouthBuild Philly Charter School since June 2023. Serving one of the most vulnerable student populations in Philadelphia, she leads a reengagement model that supports young people pushed out of traditional educational settings to achieve academic completion, develop workforce training, and persist toward postsecondary success.

Under her leadership, enrollment increased by 19.6%, reflecting strengthened recruitment, onboarding, and retention systems, and is on pace to grow by over 60% since 2023, with expansion plans increasing total enrollment to 400 students and creating more flexible pathways for young people with diverse needs.

In January 2026, YouthBuild Philly was exited from Comprehensive Support and Improvement status by the Pennsylvania Department of Education due to sustained improvement in graduation rates and student outcomes. The school was also recognized by the City of Philadelphia Mayor’s Office for its contributions to anti-gun violence initiatives supporting young people and communities.

During her tenure, YouthBuild Philly has secured major competitive grants, including a $1.5 million U.S. Department of Labor grant to support building trades programming, a $500,000 William Penn Foundation grant to advance middle-wage job placement, and a $100,000 Elevate215 grant to expand enrollment capacity.

Kazmir has been an educator for over 20 years, serving across the School District of Philadelphia, KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools, and Mastery Charter Schools. Her principal experience includes serving as principal of KIPP Philadelphia Preparatory Academy from 2017 to 2019 and assistant principal of instruction at Frederick Douglass Mastery Charter School.

Kazmir Davis grew up in Philadelphia and is a proud graduate of Central High School’s 260th graduating class.