Volunteer Spotlight: Niki Davis

Author: Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Published: Tuesday, 30 Sep 2025

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Image caption: Longtime Junior Achievement volunteer Niki Davis brings financial literacy to life for students in Eastern Iowa classrooms.

At Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI), volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. This month, we are excited to highlight Niki Davis, a longtime supporter of financial education and a shining example of how volunteers bring Junior Achievement (JA) programs to life.

Niki’s career journey reflects her passion for financial literacy. After earning her MBA from the University of Iowa, she spent nearly two decades with Wells Fargo before taking a leap of faith in 2023 to start her own business, Maloney Davis Wealth Management, in partnership with LPL Financial. That same passion for helping people understand money and make confident choices has made her an invaluable guide for the students she teaches through JA.

Her volunteer journey began around 2009, shortly after moving back to Cedar Rapids. Looking for ways to give back, she discovered Junior Achievement—even though she didn’t know much about it at the time. With support from her employer’s Volunteer Time Off program, she stepped into her first classroom and quickly realized the power of JA programs.

Over the years, Niki has taught in classrooms across Linn-Mar and Lisbon schools, growing right alongside her own children. Today, she continues to teach kindergarten and first-grade students in Lisbon, building lasting relationships and sharing lessons that students carry with them long after class is over. She loves the energy of being in the classroom and often emphasizes that anyone can be a successful JA volunteer. “JA gives you everything you need,” she says, “and your own life experiences make the lessons meaningful for the students.”

Niki especially enjoys activities that spark big conversations—like business planning projects that tie concepts together, discussions about taxes and community, or budgeting lessons that help kids think critically about their choices. For her, the rewards of volunteering go far beyond teaching financial concepts. She values being a positive role model, giving teachers a break, and watching students light up with excitement as they grasp new ideas.

“Niki has such a gift for making complex topics simple and engaging,” says Dani Carter, JAEI Content and Curriculum Director. “She brings warmth and real-world experience to the classroom in a way that truly resonates with students. Her dedication over the years has made a lasting impact.”

Niki believes deeply in the mission of JA and encourages others to get involved. Teaching students basic financial skills not only prepares them for independence but also gives them confidence for the future. By sharing personal stories and real-world examples, volunteers like Niki leave a lasting impression that students will carry into adulthood.

If you’re inspired by Niki’s story, we invite you to join her in shaping the next generation. Junior Achievement provides all the tools and resources you’ll need—what makes the difference is you.

👉 Sign up to volunteer today: https://easterniowa.ja.org/volunteer/index