Meet Tanya Davis-Ezidinma | Founder and Chief Transformation Officer of Butterfly Rising Institute (BRI)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tanya Davis-Ezidinma and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tanya, every day, we know how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for my business came to me during a major life transition in 2020—yes, right in the middle of the pandemic. My son had just graduated high school and was preparing to leave for college, and I found myself stepping into the role of an empty nester. I’ve always been passionate about supporting women, especially single mothers, and I had previously launched a ministry at my church called And Still I Rise: The Making of a Butterfly, which focused on helping women escape domestic violence and equipping their families with tools to offer support.

While leading that ministry, I began integrating tools from my business background to help women set and achieve personal goals. That’s when the vision for BRI was born—an acronym and framework centered on helping women take intentional steps toward lasting change. With a background in conflict resolution, facilitation, and program development—and a master’s degree focused on communication for professional women in work-life crises—I created BRI to empower women to rise through intentional change and lead with purpose in both their personal and professional lives.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Butterfly Rising Institute (BRI) is a passionate community and coaching organization, which uses change-management principles from the business world along with a personal touch to help working mothers facing challenging times through life-changing transformation. Our systematic approach uses educational tools from the business change management world to learn how to take actionable steps toward making big changes. BRI’s ultimate vision is to empower women to rise through intentional change and lead with purpose in their personal and professional lives.

We recently launched Butterfly Haven – a place where working moms can come together to learn, laugh, and navigate the ever-changing landscape of life. Butterfly Haven is a transformative space designed to support individuals, especially working mothers, navigating personal growth, life transitions, and emotional healing. Rooted in principles of change management, community, and empowerment, it offers a compassionate environment where women balancing career, family, and self can reflect, release, and rise. Through guided workshops, intentional dialogue, and holistic practices, Butterfly Haven helps working mothers find purpose in their pain, clarity in their journey, and strength in their story.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to visit for a week, I’d make sure they experienced the perfect balance of Colorado adventure, soul-refreshing nature, great food, and a little pampering too. Here’s what our week would look like:

Day 1: Deep Catch-Up & Comfort Food Vibes: We’d keep the first night simple and heartfelt—just the two of us reconnecting over a cozy dinner. Everyone knows that my favorite dinner spot is Outback Steakhouse or Ruby Tuesdays! Simple yet filling. We’d settle in for hours, talking about everything—kids, careers, marriage, motherhood, life changes, and the dreams we’re still holding onto. No rush, no distractions—just real conversation and a reminder of why we’ve stayed close all these years.

Day 2: Visit some Denver attractions that peak the interest of the mind and ignite conversation, such as the Denver Museum

Day 3: Shopping in Denver at small boutiques in the Cherry Creek area

Day 4 and Day 5: Road Trip to Estes Park
This is my happy place, so I’d like to share it with them. We’d leave early to soak in the drive up to Estes Park—rolling hills, crisp mountain air, and a playlist of old favorites. We’d hike an easy-to-moderate trail in Rocky Mountain National Park (maybe Bear Lake Loop or Gem Lake) and enjoy lunch at a cozy mountain cafe.

Day 6: Attend a comedy show at Comedy Works in Northfield

Day 7: Gratitudes and Goodbyes – share some memories from the trip and close out our time together with the promise of seeing each other again soon.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are many incredible women who have supported me along my journey, but the foundation of who I am today was built by one woman—my mother. She passed away in December 2024, and her influence remains the most profound in my life. She was my greatest supporter, attending every event, offering invaluable insight, and always cheering me on.

From a young age, my mother instilled in me the importance of being a strong, independent woman, especially in spaces where women, and particularly Black women, are often underrepresented. She taught me the value of a dollar, showing me that success isn’t about “Keeping up with the Joneses,” but about making smart, intentional choices. She instilled in me the belief that God and family come before all else, a principle I still live by.

As I progressed in my career, I was fortunate to have a network of remarkable Black women mentors who helped shape my professional identity. In my 20s, I hadn’t yet mastered the art of listening first and speaking with intention. One of my mentors gently showed me how to read a room, how to use my voice with purpose, and how to advocate for those whose voices often go unheard.

Through over 15 years in servant leadership, I’ve found balance in the strength my mother gave me and the grace and empathy I learned from my mentors. Together, their guidance has taught me not only how to lead, but how to truly see people, especially those just starting out, like I once was.

In honor of my mother’s legacy, I will be partnering with cancer organizations that focus on women’s cancer research. Through these partnerships, I plan to help raise awareness and funds in her name, so that other women and families facing similar battles have greater hope, support, and resources.

Website: https://www.butterflyrisinginstitute.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/btrfly_rise/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-davis-21449883/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ButterflyRisingInstitute

Image Credits
Butterfly Rising Institute