For more than 35 years, Eugenia M. Davalos, PhD, has been recognized as a leading authority in digital modernization and transformation. As of 2026, she has founded Waves of Change LLC, where she serves as president, consulting with multinational corporations and healthcare systems on strategic transformation initiatives. Dr. Davalos’ responsibilities include managing enterprise resource planning systems and business models across human resources, finance and procurement, as well as overseeing supply chain, manufacturing operations and healthcare services. She has led long-term transformation projects for The University of Chicago, including the implementation of electronic medical records.
In addition to Waves of Change LLC, Dr. Davalos is also engaged in part-time work with Census Consulting. In this capacity, she continues to offer her expertise in change management for global organizations. Notably, she was called on to assist with change management issues in India, working closely with executives and front-line employees to ensure successful transitions and foster an understanding of the importance of embracing change.
Before founding her own organization in 2026, Dr. Davalos served as the senior director of transformation and technology enablement at E78 Partners following its acquisition of Trillium Solutions Group. During a 10-year tenure with both companies, she managed a major transformation project for Grupo Bimbo — a global corporation operating in over 40 countries — overseeing the transition from on-premises solutions to cloud-based platforms.
Earlier in her career, Dr. Davalos contributed as a change leader at Lake Shore Associates; vice president of client engagement and solution delivery at Quadrum Business Solutions; transformation and customer contact center employee at Pinnacle Group Inc.; customer contact center and U.S. shared service model employee at Messina Group Search & Staffing; faculty and leadership coach at the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement; transformation and information technology (IT) director at The University of Chicago Medicine; global client engagement and IT shared service model employee for Aon; and adjunct professor and program developer for Northwestern University. Her professional life began in 1989 with 12 years as executive solution director and chief information officer at AT&T.
At the outset of her career, Dr. Davalos first sought an education at DePaul University, completing a Bachelor of Science in 1989. She obtained a Master of Science in management information systems and artificial intelligence (AI) from the same institution in 1995. Subsequently, Dr. Davalos earned a PhD in organizational development and transformation from Benedictine University in 2013. Her credentials are further supported by a wide range of certifications, including in workshop facilitation through Maxwell Leadership, in change leadership and transformation through the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, in IT risk management and global knowledge through the Project Management Institute, and executive leadership through Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) Global Education, among many others.
Though her professional journey has been filled with many memorable moments, Dr. Davalos is especially proud of her extensive pro bono leadership development efforts. Through Waves of Change’s forthcoming nonprofit arm, she plans to formalize a network connecting women mentors with those seeking growth based on their backgrounds and aspirations. Dr. Davalos aims to foster a supportive community dedicated to mutual advancement.
Dr. Davalos attributes her success to adaptability and a focus on lifelong learning — a philosophy that has allowed her to quickly assess new environments and become an integral part of every team she has joined. She credits strong mentors for guiding her journey and emphasizes the importance of continuous education as a means to stay ahead amid accelerating technological change.
Beyond her career achievements, Dr. Davalos is deeply committed to civic engagement. She is the founder of Pay It Forward, a social responsibility program affiliated with Waves of Change that provides free coaching for individuals facing career challenges or transitions. Additionally, Dr. Davalos serves as a journal reviewer for the International Society for Organization Development and Change, a leadership coach for Mi Negocio/My Business: Smartspace Incubator, and a leadership and career mentor for Women in Hi Tech: Passing the Torch. She has previously contributed in various capacities to such groups as Family Bridges, Princess Closet, the Catholic Services Appeal Foundation, Urban Strategies, A Gift of Value, Willow Creek Casa de Luz and the Academy of Management.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Dr. Davalos is a proud mother. She hopes to leave a legacy of gratitude and generosity that her family can carry forward.
Looking ahead, Dr. Davalos intends to establish a comprehensive framework centered around emerging technologies such as AI and robotics. Her goal is to explore how humans can collaborate effectively with machines while ensuring these advancements benefit both employees and organizations alike. Dr. Davalos’ enduring commitments to innovation, mentorship and social responsibility continue to shape her industry while empowering individuals worldwide to embrace transformative change with confidence and purpose.