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LaNaya Butler, PhD

@dr.lanaya

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Community Intelligence Strategist
Research, facilitation, film, and change
🌱 Founder @sunrootsystems

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Participated in a “summer of yes” and I highly recommend it!

Made new friends, had a blast, worked hard, went after my dreams, and stayed in the sun as much as I could. Sad the szn is coming to a close, but beyond grateful for what it brought🌞 by @dr.lanaya

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a month ago

🧚🏼 by @dr.lanaya

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7 months ago

Q3 was good to me❤️ by @dr.lanaya

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a year ago

Through this experience, I’ve learned that research can be a spiritual practice of expanding upon the work of ancestors, elders, and colleagues. In the most healthy ways, it can be used to positively impact communities and society as a whole. While I was writing my dissertation on Valentine’s Day earlier this year, I wrote a note to myself that said, “This is the longest love letter I’ve ever written.” Then it clicked—so many of the books and texts that touch my heart are acts of love from writers, philosophers, revolutionaries, and creatives I deeply respect. We leave behind what we cannot keep within ourselves. My dissertation topic was on my heart years before I even got the chance to bring it together and that’s the whole point. We must must must create and share what is demanded of us internally because someone out there needs it. Revolutionary love is what my work is about and I’m excited to begin my career with this awareness❤️‍🔥 by @dr.lanaya

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a year ago

Entering this new chapter of my life, grateful as ever🤍 by @dr.lanaya

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a year ago

Finally PhinisheD✨

With eternal gratitude, I honor God and my Spirit Team, the roots of my parents and grandparents, the wisdom of my elders and mentors, the knowledge of my educators, and the love of my family, friends, blood brothers, and soul sisters.

With love,
Dr. LaNaya M. Butler taken in University of Denver by @dr.lanaya

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a year ago

Just what the DR ordered🥳 taken in Punta Cana, Republica Dominicana by @dr.lanaya

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a year ago

I’m re-entering society as Dr. Butler this week after months of being underground and all I can think of is God’s mercy.

I’ve been working towards this goal since I was a kid and never took a break from school since kindergarten. The practice of devotion is something I’ve been familiar with but this last year of dissertation writing taught me a whole new level of it. I separated myself from all distractions and learned how to manage my energy more wisely out of sheer necessity. There were moments of fear and fatigue but with prayer and faith, I made it through.

I thank God for guiding me on this path and planting the specific dreams in my heart to pursue. When I entered the program 5 years ago, I knew what I wanted to study and over the years, I gained the skills, perspectives, and methods to execute the project. Had I listened to the doubts of people along the way, I would not have seen it through—so I’m grateful for my determination in this regard. My diss research reflects my spiritual and intellectual passion and purpose. Now, I truly look forward to contributing more to the field in my career.

There are far too many people to thank so I’ll just say…

Pops, thank you for guiding me in life and setting goals so massive that I believe—and now know—I can do anything.

Mom, thank you for your sincere love and support in this process. Sometimes all I needed was to hear your voice when I was on the edge.

To my soul sisters, words cannot describe how grateful I am for each and every one of you. Thank you for checking in on me, cooking and buying me meals, making me laugh, praying with/for me, and holding my hand through one of the most stressful undertakings of my life.

I am so far beyond grateful and look forward to celebrating with everyone real soon🥳😘 by @dr.lanaya

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Beyond proud of my team for taking home an Emmy for best Historical Documentary last night🩵

As someone who’s passionate about public education, one of my greatest honors has been traveling the state with this film. I’ve met so many cool Coloradans and learned a ton. I am so grateful I was able to represent our org last night and look forward to a career filled with moments like these. taken in Denver Center for the Performing Arts by @dr.lanaya

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2 years ago

Grateful from the bottom of my heart for this precious life

@civanaresort was an absolute dream

Had the chance to meditate, relax, celebrate, try new things, learn, let my inner child play, have fun, practice yoga, experience sound healing, and connect with my higher self

Shoutout my Spirit team for guiding and carrying me through every level✨ taken in Carefree, Arizona by @dr.lanaya

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2 years ago

Kwame Ture (then Stokely Carmichael), Tell Me Lies (1968) by @dr.lanaya

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3 years ago