Tiawanna Ezell
Tiawanna Ezell Inspirational Quote:
Michelle Obama on being her authentic self: “You know, I never really sought out or wanted the spotlight, but I understand that having it comes with responsibility. I hope when people look at me, they see someone who tried to be her authentic self.”
A Symphony of Nature and Community
The trees hum low in native willow tones; a gentle breeze grazes with many sounds. Every plant, every known creature, every river’s bend—each brings notes that call Earth home. We gather close, with hands held wide, like branches reaching towards the sky. Together, woven roots underneath, grounded, we rise, we grow, we do not fold. (poem by Soso-Akalesh)
Introduction of An Amazing Human Being
In the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Tiawanna Ezell, formerly known as Twana Townsend, organically and authentically represents love, resilience, and boundless joy.
A devoted mother of three and a grandmother to two radiant souls, Javen and Myra, Tiawanna's life is a manifestation to the enduring power of family and faith. Her roots run deep, nurtured by over four decades of pastoral legacy, a legacy she continues to honor her father alongside her beloved mother and siblings.
As the Program Manager of Health and Wellness at the Urban League of West Michigan and the Grand Rapids Network Volunteer Leader for Outdoor Afro, Tiawanna's professional journey is as vibrant as her personal one. Outdoor Afro, a beacon of Black joy in nature, finds in her a passionate advocate who transforms the outdoors into a sanctuary of inclusion and celebration.
From the playful escapades of her childhood, where parks became magical kingdoms and adventures full of memorial stories, to the serene embrace of nature that offers her solace and strength, Tiawanna's connection to the outdoors is profound. It is here, amidst the rustling leaves and flowing waters, that she finds peace, reflection, and restoration.
Her adventures are many, each chapter in a story of courage and discovery. Whether kayaking on the Grand River, feeling the freedom of the water beneath her, or scaling the icy heights of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Tiawanna's spirit soars. These experiences mirror life’s journey—where determination must often carry us when the cheers fade.
Dreams of distant lands, like the ancient trails of Machu Picchu, beckon her still, promising new horizons of physical and spiritual growth. Yet, it is the transformative power of the present that fuels her mission—to open the doors of nature to those who have been long excluded, to share the freedom, peace, and joy she knows so well.
In Tiawanna's world, nature is not just a backdrop but a profound teacher. It speaks of the Creator’s greatness, offers a canvas for creativity, and builds communities bound by shared experiences. Through her leadership with Outdoor Afro, she invites others to step outside their comfort zones, to find healing and connection in the embrace of the natural world.
Her story is one of resilience, community, and a deep, abiding love for the outdoors. It is a call to all to find their place in nature, to discover the joy and peace that await, and to join in the celebration of life’s grand adventure.
We are honored to represent to the reader with deep connection and embark the journey of Tiawanna’s story! =)
Questionnaire and Answer Conversation
Personal Background & Passion for the Outdoors
Q: Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your background?
A: Tiawanna: My name is Tiawanna Ezell, formerly known as Twana Townsend. I was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I'm a proud mother of three amazing adult daughters and a grandmother to two beautiful grandkids—my grandson Javen, who's 7, and my granddaughter Myra, who's 6.
Faith and community have always been a big part of my life. My parents have served as pastors in Grand Rapids for over 40 years. Since my father’s passing in 2023, my four siblings and I have continued to support my mother and continue to carry on his legacy in ministry.
Professionally, I serve as the Program Manager of Health and Wellness at the Urban League of West Michigan. I’m also the Grand Rapids Network Volunteer Leader for Outdoor Afro, a national organization based in Oakland, California, that celebrates and centers Black joy in nature and the outdoors
Q: What first sparked your love for the outdoors?
A: Tiawanna: I've loved the outdoors since I was a kid. Every Sunday after church, my cousins and I would head to the park behind my grandfather’s house and let our imaginations run wild. We’d sing songs, create clubs, give each other nicknames—and sometimes even walk through the nearby graveyard, making up stories about the people whose names we saw on the headstones.
Q: How has your connection to nature influences your personal and professional life?
A: Tiawanna: Nature has always been a place of peace and healing for me. Personally, it’s where I go to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with myself. Professionally, it’s shaped the way I show up for my community—centering wellness, joy, and access to outdoor spaces for people who’ve often been left out. It’s more than just recreation—it’s restoration.
Outdoor Activities & Experiences
Q: what are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and why do you love or enjoy doing them?
A: Tiawanna: I love anything that brings me near or on the water, but kayaking is definitely at the top of my list. There's something special about being in my own watercraft, setting my own pace, and choosing my own adventure—it gives me a deep sense of freedom and peace.
I also really enjoy walking in nature. There’s something grounding about being surrounded by trees and just listening to the way they move with the wind. It’s calming, almost like nature is speaking if you slow down enough to hear it.
Q: Can you share a memorable outdoor adventure that changed your perspective or challenge you the most?
A: Tiawanna: One of my most memorable and perspective-shifting outdoor adventures was the first time I climbed the ice curtains in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Standing at the base of a 40-foot wall of ice, I eagerly volunteered to go first. I started off strong, fueled by the cheers of my peers below. But partway up, I looked down—and for a moment, fear crept in. I asked myself, “What are you doing up here?
Still, I kept climbing. The cheers faded as I got higher, but I looked up, found my focus, and pushed forward. In that moment, I realized this experience mirrored life: sometimes, you have to keep moving, even when the support gets quiet. When the crowd stops cheering, your own determination has to carry you the rest of the way.
Q: Do you have a dream outdoor experience or location you haven’t explored yet?
A: Tiawanna: I was once offered the chance to go on a 9-day backpacking trip to Machu Picchu, and it honestly felt like a dream opportunity. Unfortunately, I had to turn it down at the time because of finances—but it’s still high on my list. I know I’ll get there one day. That kind of journey—connecting with the land, the history, and pushing myself physically and spiritually—that’s the kind of adventure I live for.
Mindset & Motivation
Q: what motivates you to keep pushing boundaries for outdoors access and engagement?
A: Tiwanna: What motivates me is knowing how transformative the outdoors can be, especially for communities that often don’t have access. I want to create opportunities for others to experience that freedom, peace, and joy, just like I have.
Q: How do you prepare mentally and physically for challenging adventures?
A: Tiawanna: Mentally, I prepare by visualizing the experience—focusing on the goal and reminding myself why I’m doing it. Physically, I make sure to stay active and build endurance, whether through regular workouts or smaller outdoor activities that keep me ready for whatever challenge lies ahead. It’s about staying connected to both my mind and body.
Q: Have you ever faced fears or setbacks on your outdoor journeys? How did you overcome them?
A: Tiawanna: I definitely experience moments of anxiousness or performance anxiety, but I’ve learned to use that adrenaline boost to fuel my excitement and push forward. It’s about channeling that nervous energy into determination and moving past the fear to embrace the experience.
Nature & Community
Q: What roles does nature play in your personal healing, creativity, or inspiration?
A: Tiawanna: Nature plays a powerful role in my personal healing and inspiration. There’s something majestic about touching, feeling, and breathing in everything God has created. It reminds me of His greatness and His promise to fulfill what He says He will do in my life. It’s a constant source of peace and perspective.
Q: Do you think outdoors activities help build a stronger sense of community?
A: Tiawanna: Absolutely! Outdoor activities bring people together in a shared experience, creating a space for connection and building relationships that go beyond just the activity itself. Whether it’s kayaking, hiking, or simply enjoying nature, these experiences foster a sense of belonging and unity within a community.
Q: Do you involve others in your adventures? How do you encourage people to step outside their comfort zones?
A: Tiawanna: Yes, I love involving others in my adventures. As a volunteer leader with Outdoor Afro, I host monthly activities and usually extend personal invitations to encourage people to join me outside. I try to make it feel welcoming and fun, showing them that stepping outside their comfort zone can lead to amazing experiences.
Advice & Reflection
Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start exploring the outdoors but doesn’t know where to begin?
A: Tiwanna: My advice? Just do it! If you're feeling apprehensive, start by following the Outdoor Afro Facebook page or download our app to find opportunities to explore the outdoors with others. Being part of a group can make it easier and more fun to take that first step.
Q: How do you balance outdoor adventures with other aspects of life?
A: Tiawanna: Balancing outdoor adventure with other aspects of life is essential for me—it’s how I survive, especially during tough times. Being outdoors helps me stay grounded, recharge, and find clarity, making it easier to navigate everything else going on in my life.
Entrepreneurship & Business in the Outdoors
Q: How did you turn your passion for the outdoors into a business or professional path?
A: Tiawanna: About ten years ago, I went on a church retreat and tried kayaking for the first time. I fell in love with it instantly. Not long after, I took a role with an organization focused on increasing tree canopy and activating parks. During the COVID crisis, we were one of the few groups that could safely gather outdoors, and in 2021, I led more than 70 people kayaking on the Grand River. Since then, I’ve continued to guide paddles as a volunteer.
In researching more about the outdoor industry, I learned that Michigan has a $1.3 billion outdoor recreation economy—but less than 1% of that includes ownership by people of color. That hit me. It only made sense to turn my love for the outdoors, especially kayaking, into a full-time, purpose-driven career.
Q: What challenges have you faced in building a business around outdoor activities, and how did you overcome them?
A: Tiwanna: One of the biggest challenges I've faced is gaining access to equipment and capital—both of which are essential for sustaining and scaling a business centered around outdoor activities. I’m passionate about making kayaking accessible to youth and community members who may not have the resources to buy or store gear. However, the business still needs to be financially sustainable.
Another hurdle is seasonality. Kayaking is often seen as a warm-weather activity, so I’ve had to get creative during the winter months by offering indoor training sessions in local health club pools. It’s a way to keep people engaged and build skills year-round.
There’s also the internal challenge of imposter syndrome. When I show up in outdoor spaces and speak about my love for nature, I sometimes feel the weight of societal conditioning—the false idea that Black joy doesn’t belong outdoors. But I know that’s not true, and I’m committed to changing that narrative, one paddle at a time.
Q: Can you share a short story of how networking or community-building is in outdoor spaces lead to business growth, or community-building?
A: Tiawanna: One splendid example of how community-building in outdoor spaces has led to growth is through the use of Opening and Closing Circles at our Outdoor Afro events. Before each outing, we gather in a circle to introduce ourselves, set intentions, and create a welcoming space for everyone. Afterward, we close with another circle, reflecting on the experience and sharing what we’ve learned. This practice not only builds stronger connections among participants but also fosters trust and a sense of belonging, which has naturally led to expanded community involvement and growth for the organization.
Spiritual Connection & Personal Growth Through Nature
Q: What spiritual or cultural significance does nature hold for you or like-minded people?
A: Tiawanna: For me, nature is deeply spiritual—it's where I feel closest to God. Being outside, surrounded by His creation, reminds me of His presence, His power, and His promises. For like-minded folks in my community, nature is a place of peace, reflection, and connection—both to something greater and to each other. It’s where we go to heal, to breathe, and to just be.
Q: Do you believe outdoor adventures can serve as a form of healing, or self-discovery?
A: Tiawanna: Absolutely. Outdoor adventures have a way of stripping away distractions and bringing you face-to-face with yourself. They create space for healing, reflection, and growth. Whether it’s the quiet of a forest or the rhythm of paddling on the water, nature helps you reconnect—with your spirit, your purpose, and your strength.
Q: How do the elements of water and earth influence your perspective on life?
A: Tiawanna: Water and earth both ground and guide me. Water reminds me to stay flexible and keep flowing, even when life gets unpredictable. Earth gives me stability—it’s a reminder to stay rooted, stand firm in who I am, and trust the process. Together, they teach me balance: when to move, when to be still, and how to stay connected to what really matters.
Q: In what ways do you encourage others to deepen their relationship with nature through community engagement?
A: Tiawanna: I encourage others to deepen their relationship with nature by creating welcoming spaces where they feel seen, safe, and supported. Through community events, personal invitations, and meaningful conversations, I help people connect not just to the outdoors, but to each other. We build community by sharing stories, learning together, and showing that nature is for all of us—especially those who’ve been left out for too long.
This concludes our questionnaire & answers with Tiawanna Ezell!
Here are her social media link you can follow her:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iliveheregr/
Facebook page: Outdoor Afro-Grand Rapids, MI and download the Outdoor Afro app to register for upcoming adventures.
Outdoor Afro-Grand Rapids next event is:
Let’s Ride Oxford Trail on May 24th
Time: 11 am
location: 715 Oxford St SW, Grand Rapids, MI
Thank you, reader, for taking a moment to read one of many great stories about the pillars of Grand Rapids! I hope you find yourself inspired and motivated to venture into nature and discover your true self. Remember, experiencing the outdoors doesn’t have to be a solitary activity—connect with like-minded adventurers and share the journey!