NEW ORLEANS — Every year, Gambit, a best of New Orleans resource, solicits nominations from the public, then honors 40 people under the age of 40 for their accomplishments and the contributions they have made to New Orleans.

Natchez native Angela Davis, 30, was named on the list this year.

After working to help the poor and oppressed in such places as Iraq, Palestine and Ethiopia, Davis put her commitment to social justice and spirituality to work in New Orleans.

In 2007, Davis and three AmeriCorps co-workers founded Hagar’s House, a home for women and children that provides everything from safe haven to resource coordination and personal empowerment programs. As director of the house, Davis coordinates day-to-day operations and works with residents through a variety of programs.

She also is pursuing a law degree at Loyola University and has volunteered with Court Appointed Special Advocates, Metropolitan Center for Women and Children, the NO/AIDS Task Force, the YMCA and more.

She is the daughter of Roger and Pat Davis.