Leadership isn't something we inherit—it’s something we model.
In this powerful multi-generational conversation, Ben Reiman welcomes Quatiba Davis, along with her daughters, Keniyah Rowe and Kennedy Rowe, for an honest discussion about leadership, resilience, representation, disability, family, and the future of Applied Behaviour Analysis.
Quatiba shares the remarkable journey that took her from special education teacher to becoming the first Black Chief Clinical Officer in ABA, overseeing clinical services across more than 50 clinics. Along the way, she reflects on growing up in the Bronx, overcoming adversity, learning through failure, and why she believes leadership is built by serving others rather than pursuing titles.
Episode 279 begins with Kennedy's story. Following an in-utero stroke, Kennedy faced developmental challenges that changed the trajectory of her mother's career forever. What began as one family's search for answers ultimately inspired Quatiba to pursue behaviour analysis and dedicate her career to improving the lives of others.
As the discussion unfolds, Keniyah shares her own path—from graphic design to psychology and now graduate studies in behaviour analysis at The Chicago School. Rather than simply following in her mother's footsteps, she reflects on finding her own identity, embracing leadership in her own way, and exploring how creativity and behaviour science can intersect.
Together, the family discusses:
• How modelling shapes future leaders
• Parenting through adversity
• Disability, dignity, and high expectations
• Black representation within behaviour analysis
• The importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
• Entrepreneurship and leadership
• Why failure often becomes our greatest teacher
• Mentorship and paying opportunities forward
• Building businesses without sacrificing ethics
• Creating a legacy through service
Throughout the conversation, one message continually emerges: leadership is not defined by job titles or professional status. Leadership is reflected in the people we encourage, the barriers we remove, and the opportunities we create for those who come after us.
Whether you're an experienced BCBA, a student entering the field, a parent, educator, or someone passionate about creating meaningful change, this episode offers wisdom that extends far beyond behavior analysis.
About Our Guests
Quatiba Davis is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, executive clinical leader, keynote speaker, professor, and author whose work focuses on clinical excellence, leadership, ethics, assessment, and expanding representation within Applied Behavior Analysis. She currently serves as Chief Clinical Officer at ABA Centers, overseeing clinical services across dozens of locations while helping develop the next generation of clinicians.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OMgXWMPzkwc
Follow Quatiba on:
LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/ms-quatiba-davis-m-ed-bcba-laba-lba-iba-3078808/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quatibadavis_bcba/
https://www.instagram.com/qed82/
Keniyah Rowe is currently completing graduate studies in Applied Behavior Analysis at The Chicago School after earning her psychology degree from Howard University. She is also the founder of Signs of Beauty, an entrepreneurial venture celebrating identity, culture, and self-expression.
Follow Keniyah on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keniyah-rowe-94524922b/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keniyah.___/
Signs of Beauty: https://www.instagram.com/signsofbeautyy/
Kennedy Rowe is a Business Administration student at Florida A&M University (FAMU) whose interests include entrepreneurship, marketing, and mental health. Her personal journey inspired her mother's entrance into the field of behavior analysis and continues to influence the next generation of leaders.
Follow Kennedy on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennedy-rowe-8b521a328/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennedyyy._____/
Links:
Signs of Beauty
https://signsofbeauty.bigcartel.com/
https://www.instagram.com/signsofbeautyy/
Quatiba's Interview on Beyond The Science
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1RxCIHsIjc
Continue the Conversation
If this episode resonated with you, here are a few other Behaviour Speak conversations that explore similar themes of leadership, representation, mentorship, and the future of behaviour analysis:
Episode 76 – *The Next Generation of Black Leaders in Behavior Analysis: Empowering Success* (Adrienne Bradley, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA)
This conversation explores the importance of representation, mentorship, and the creation of opportunities for emerging Black behaviour analysts. It pairs beautifully with today's discussion about modelling leadership and inspiring the next generation.
https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-76-the-next-generation-of-black-leaders-in-behavior-analysis-empowering-success-with-adrienne-bradley-med-bcba-lba/
Episode 142 – *Creating a Powerhouse: Forging Black Leaders in Behavior Analysis*
Leadership doesn't happen in isolation. This episode examines what it takes to develop Black leaders in behaviour analysis, build supportive professional communities, and create lasting systems change—many of the same themes explored by Quatiba, Keniyah, and Kennedy.
https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-142-creating-a-powerhouse-forging-black-leaders-in-behavior-analysis/
Episode 237 – *An HBCU First: Training the Next Generation of Black Behavior Analysts at Florida A&M University*
After hearing Quatiba discuss helping establish the BCaBA program at Florida A&M University, take a deeper dive into the story behind the first ABA training program at an HBCU and the importance of expanding access to behaviour analysis education.
https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-237-an-hbcu-first-training-the-next-generation-of-black-behavior-analysts-at-florida-am-university/
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