Media expert and Virginia Tech alumna Christina Daves ‘89 gives opening keynote at the Pamplin Women’s Summit
Christina Daves didn’t plan on becoming a media expert. She had plans of attending law school and started out as a double major in German and political science at Virginia Tech. After many career shifts, it was a broken foot that led her to invent a line of fashionable boot covers, unexpectedly winning the Steve Harvey Show’s Top Inventor Competition. That moment marked the beginning of her successful media career.
Now a member of Pamplin’s Marketing Board, Christina returned to campus as the keynote speaker for the Pamplin Women’s Summit, an empowering event designed to foster connection, amplify voices, and equip future business leaders.
As a renowned publicity strategist, lifestyle expert, and award-winning podcast host, Christina delivered an inspiring keynote titled “Claiming Your Seat at the Table.” She opened by emphasizing the importance of mindset, in believing in yourself and recognizing your value.
“When you believe in yourself and know you have value, you have to own it,” said Daves. “You have to know your worth. Your network is your net worth. The Hokie network is unbelieve and so valuable, and I want you to embrace it”.
Throughout her remarks, Christina highlighted the importance of adaptability and mentorship. She reminded attendees that “your seat at the table may change as you grow in your career,” and with four generations currently in the workforce, it’s vital to not only claim your seat but to also make space for others.
In sharing her own story, Christina also spotlighted stories of other inspiring Hokie alumnae, including Molly Marshall, Tracy Castle Newman, Bridget Ryan Berman, and TODAY Show co-anchor Hoda Kotb, who received 27 rejections before landing her first broadcast job.
“Embrace the no’s because you are going to get them,” Daves said. “But when you get the yes, go for it. You deserve that seat at the table. You have to believe it.”
Today, Christina is a bestselling author, speaker, and on-air expert. She appears frequently in print media and major television networks.
Written by A’me Dalton