Meet Mendel Davis
May 29, 2025 | People in Our Neighborhood
Mendel Davis, our newest Single Parent Connector, is a trailblazer with a deep-rooted love for Jewish community, a powerhouse career in finance, and a passion for creating spaces of connection and support. A proud Baltimore native with Egyptian and African American heritage, Mendel brings his lived experience, soulful leadership, and deep empathy to his new role, helping single parents—especially dads—feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in the Pikesville Jewish community, where I attended the Talmudical Academy of Baltimore from kindergarten through 12th grade. After high school, I spent two transformative years studying abroad in Jerusalem before returning home to complete my college education. My family background is a unique blend of cultures and traditions. My father, an African American
man who converted to and embraced Orthodox Judaism, and my Egyptian-born mother instilled in me a deep appreciation for faith, perseverance, and community. These values shaped my early commitment to service, which included working as a counselor at the Hebrew Academy for Special Children (HASC) and even authoring my own Passover Haggadah (I always found it amusing to
think about how my mother’s side of the family would discuss the Exodus from Egypt while still living in Egypt).
Professionally, I currently serve as the CEO of Nova Insurance Company, a Class B(iii) insurer and Segregated Portfolio Company based in the Cayman Islands. My career journey has been defined by leadership roles at top financial institutions, including The Einstein Group, Raymond James, JPMorgan Chase, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo, and Nationwide Financial. I’ve built my reputation on blending strategic thinking with practical innovation-creating platforms, mentoring talent, and aligning capital with opportunity.
In addition to my corporate work, I serve on the boards of several community-focused organizations. More recently, I’ve also been involved in supporting individuals overcoming addiction, helping them navigate their paths and reach their full potential. Outside of work, I’m a proud father to two incredible daughters who inspire me every single day. When I’m not spending time with them, you can find me riding motorcycles, playing the saxophone, cooking, or diving into YouTube rabbit holes. I’m also an avid pickleball player and enjoy winding down in a steam room to relax and center my thoughts.
What inspired you to become our newest Single Parent Community Connector?
As a recently single dad, I quickly realized how much of a gap exists in our community when it comes to support for single parents-especially for fathers. Navigating this new chapter made it clear to me how valuable it is to have a platform where single parents can connect, feel welcomed, and be part of family-oriented programming alongside others on a similar journey. I wanted to help create that space-a community where no one feels alone in the experience of single parenthood.
How do you hope to support other single parents in our community?
Shabbat and Jewish holidays can often feel especially isolating for single parents. I believe it’s essential to uphold the value of inclusivity that’s so central to our Jewish culture. I would love to establish monthly Shabbat gatherings and designated holiday meals where single parents can come together-whether with their children or on their own-to celebrate and share in the Jewish experience,
ensuring no one feels left out during these meaningful times. At the heart of it, my hope is to build a space where single parents (especially men) feel supported, included, and connected-not just as individuals, but as valued members of a community walking a
shared journey.
Any advice for other single dads navigating Father’s Day?
Father’s Day can bring up a lot of emotions, especially for single dads. My advice is to give yourself permission to feel all of it-the pride, the joy, and even the ache that sometimes comes with navigating this role alone. But remember: being a father isn’t measured by a picture-perfect moment or someone else’s idea of family. It’s measured by the quiet, consistent ways you show up for your
children-the rides to school, the bedtime stories, the lessons you pass down without even realizing it.
Don’t get caught up in comparing your journey to others. Instead, focus on the simple truth that you are your child’s dad, and no one can fill that role like you do. Celebrate the wins, however small, and know that your presence, your effort, and your love are more than enough. Most importantly, take a moment to honor yourself-not just as a provider, but as a man growing alongside his children. Because in the end, Father’s Day is as much about your journey as it is about theirs.