Barbara grew up in a multi-cultural environment in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Since her father, Lee was a chef, and her mother, Zelma was a home economist, Barbara developed a love for food and cooking early in life.
Working in the Betty Crocker Kitchens of General Mills for 20 years helped to hone both her craft and her knowledge of food and cooking. There she had the opportunity to work closely with the marketing staff, and to take some classes in marketing. Several years ago she traveled to West Africa, collecting recipes along the way. And she cooks for fun! Visitors to her home say she is an excellent cook.
As owner and president of Ken Davis Products, Inc., she has done catering, developed new products, and even competed in the National Rib Cookoff. A major project for her is the company publication, Ken Davis Recipe News, which she writes and for which she develops the recipes.
Recently she has become the spokesperson and radio personality for her company. Her latest venture is a cooking show on radio. In these roles Barbara is able to use her talent for storytelling. She studied storytelling at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis.
Because she believes strongly in giving back to the community, she is involved in a mentoring program at North High School, chairs the Global Women's Network board of directors, serves as secretary to the board of directors of Stairstep, Inc., and serves on the Board of the Hot Summer Jazz Festival. She is also president of the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce. In 2002 Barbara was named Business Home Economist of the Year by the Twin Cities Home Economists in Business.
In her spare time, she reads, sews many of her own clothes, makes jewelry, and listens to jazz music.
Barbara Jo holds a degree in Dietetics from the University of Northern Colorado.
