Sheryl Davis, the former head of San Francisco’s Human Rights Commission, has finally addressed the public following her arrest on 17 felony charges. She took to Instagram with a rather enigmatic message, sparking curiosity and raising eyebrows.
On Tuesday, Davis shared a story on Instagram, seemingly seeking support as she navigates the serious legal challenges ahead. Her post, which appeared shortly after her release on bond, featured an incomplete pastel portrait with the caption, “Where are my encouraging and supportive sisters?” This plea for support comes amidst accusations of misusing funds that were meant to benefit San Francisco’s Black community.
Davis found herself in legal hot water after being detained on Monday, facing charges that include perjury and the misuse of public funds. These allegations stem from her tenure as director of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, where she is accused of misappropriating taxpayer money.
Prosecutors allege that Davis, alongside her longtime partner James Spingola, mismanaged funds from the Dream Keeper Initiative. This initiative was established in the wake of George Floyd’s death to support Black communities in the city. The pair allegedly diverted these resources for personal use, covering expenses for parties, personal projects, and family needs.
As part of the alleged scheme, Davis was reportedly instrumental in directing over $3 million in contracts to Collective Impact, a nonprofit run by Spingola. She is accused of bypassing city evaluators who had given the organization a low score, raising serious concerns about her involvement and the integrity of the contracting process.
She was allegedly “heavily involved” in more than $3 million in contracts towards Collective Impact, Spingola’s nonprofit — even overriding city evaluators who assigned the firm a low score.
The two lived together for years and shared bank accounts, according to prosectors.
Davis allegedly dipped into Dream Keeper funds to pay for upgraded flights, wine tastings, concerts, tables and admissions at VIP events in Beverly Hills, Martha’s Vineyard and New York City — and “multiple PR firms” to promote her children’s book and other personal projects.
Davis’ son was paid $140,000 through a connected nonprofit, prosecutors said, and Davis allegedly used city money to pay for his UCLA tuition.
Spingola is charged with four felony counts of aiding and abetting Davis’ alleged actions. Davis’ Instagram artwork appears tied to a project called Little Girl Revival.
The disgraced San Francisco department head described the project to podcaster Staci Speaks Hope as part of her journey from “burnout to breakthrough.”
Davis resigned from her $350,000-year gig as director of the Human Rights Commission in September 2024 amid corruption allegations.
“I retired — resigned, from a job i had been in for years last year and really felt like I had lost my purpose .. i was just devastated, I spent time in deep thought and in deep pain,” Davis said in July 2025.
Davis is expected to appear in court Thursday.
