Davina… Never Give Up!

Recently I gave a ride to a joyful woman named Davina. Her name means “divine and beloved,” which really matches her warm and kind personality. Davina grew up in Fort Myers, where her family has lived for generations. Her father and grandfather worked hard in the shrimp industry and as fishermen. Her mom worked several jobs, so Davina and her brother were raised mostly by their grandparents, who taught them the value of family and hard work.

Davina… The proud mother of five!

Her grandfather taught her many practical skills that dealt specifically with for caring for an automobile. The basics of checking her oil, changing a tire and jumping a dead battery. This provided a basis for a real love of cars which she enjoys to this day.

Life wasn’t always easy for Davina, however. Starting at age 15, she struggled with a drug addiction as a way to deal with pain and stress. But she didn’t let that be the end of her story. She fought her way out of addiction and built a better life for herself and her five children—four boys and one girl, all with names that start with the letter “J”… Jean, Jastin, Jypson, Jendayi and Jabari. Her kids range in age from 11 to 23, and they are her greatest joy. She’s especially proud to be a football mom since all four of her sons play the sport—and she even has relatives who made it to the NFL!

One of Davina’s biggest passions is cooking. She absolutely loves making meals from scratch, especially traditional Haitian dishes, where her husband grew up. She’s worked in many restaurants across Fort Myers and now cooks at a local eatery downtown. For Davina, cooking isn’t just a job—it’s a way to show love and creativity. She lights up when she talks about food, cooking, and the joy of serving others.

Davina’s story is one of strength, growth, and love. She encourages others to leave their past behind and focus on building a better future. She’s proud of where she came from, proud of who she’s become, and most of all, proud of the family she’s raised with love and dedication.

Please welcome Davina to Ubernamez!