A community of optimists hosted by Melinda French Gates

Dwana Franklin-Davis is the inaugural CEO of Reboot Representation. Dwana, along with the Reboot Team and Coalition Member Companies are working towards doubling the number of underrepresented women (Black, Latinx and Native) by 2025. Dwana has a true passion for technology and innovation coupled with a drive to educate, recruit, retain and promote more diverse individuals in corporations that have a technology focus.

Prior to joining Reboot Representation, Dwana spent 13 years with Mastercard in various leadership roles. This includes her most recent role of Vice President in Technology Operations where she was focused on Service Delivery for Digital Payments Programs. Dwana was a founding member of Mastercard’s Leveraging Employees of African Decent (LEAD) business resource group in 2008. Prior to joining Mastercard, Dwana held roles at May Department Stores Company and IBM.

Dwana is the mom of two small children and lives in New York City with her husband Morry. Dwana enjoys spending time with her family and exploring NYC.

Q&A


What inspires you to do the work you do?

My grandmothers inspire me to do all of the work that I do. I am so grateful for their many sacrifices which helped to advance their families. I would not be who I am if it were not for both of them, and I strive to continue to make them proud.

On Sunday afternoons, you can find me...

Spending time with my family and making Sunday dinner. It is important to my husband and I that we create family traditions that my kids will have memories and cherish. Food is one of those things that brings us together, and I love to cook, so on Sunday’s I make take time preparing a meal that my family truly enjoys. In addition to the wonderful time together, I know it’s a success when I get a “Mom, you’re the best!” from my amazing little people.

Please share a favorite quote.

“If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up someplace else.” – Yogi Berra