On film Dana Davis may be best known for her portrayal as Denise Gilmore in "Raise Your Voice," playing a young, underprivileged, violin virtuoso vying for a much needed scholarship against her roommate Terri Fletcher, played by Hilary Duff She also graced the big screen alongside Samuel L. Jackson in "Coach Carter."

On television Davis has appeared in substantial guest star roles on critically acclaimed hit series such as "CSI: Miami," "Cold Case," "Gilmore Girls," and in a recurring role on "Boston Public" as Marie Ronning. Other television credits include recurring roles on "The O.C," "Point Pleasant" and "Veronica Mars," plus guest star roles on "Malcolm in the Middle" and "Joan of Arcadia." An accomplished singer and musician, her talents are showcased in Disney's all musical episode of "That's So Raven," playing Raven's archrival, Jasmine, the Theater Queen.

Not surprisingly, Davis' talents extend far beyond the screen. She is a classically trained musician, studying the viola for well over a decade, singing in the children's choir as backup for Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack, and with Barbra Streisandin her "Timeless Tour" in Los Angeles.

Davis is also committed to aiding under-privileged children. As an expression of her dedication, she volunteers for the Kids' Church and for Adopt-a-Block, sponsored by the Los Angeles Dream Center. Adopt-a-Block is a ministry that focuses on tasks as small and mundane as bringing food to families, helping families with yard work, and playing games (like hopscotch and jump rope) with kids on the street, to larger community efforts including graffiti removal and physically cleaning up some of the most treacherous neighborhoods in Los Angeles. She also volunteers with Empowering Lives International, whose mission is to end the cycle of poverty in Africa's most needy regions, including Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan and parts of the Congo.

Born in the south and raised in the Midwest, Davis considers Davenport, Iowa to be her hometown. It was there she discovered her passion for theatre and acting. Her theatre credits include Neil Simon's "Fools," "The Miracle Worker" and many roles in musicals. One day she dreams of reprising the role of Dorothy in "The Wiz" on Broadway.