Daily Inspiration: Meet Davina Wright Lyons

Today we’d like to introduce you to Davina Wright Lyons.

Davina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My life has been shaped by fire—and I’ve learned how to turn every flame into fuel. From childhood adversity and deep personal loss to rebuilding after failed marriages, business setbacks, and financial struggle, my journey has been anything but easy. Yet every chapter strengthened my belief that resilience isn’t just a skill—it’s a lifeline.

What began as survival has become my purpose.

I am the founder of Rising Resilience, a movement dedicated to helping parents, teens, and educators build emotional strength and thrive in the face of challenges. After navigating my own storms and watching the growing struggles in today’s classrooms, I felt called to create tools, programs, and conversations that empower people to rise above what tried to break them.

Today, I’m known as a speaker, educator, and mentor who blends authenticity with practical strategies for growth. As an eighth-grade English Language Arts teacher, I lead with compassion and transparency, inviting my students to see resilience not as perfection, but as getting back up, learning, and trying again.

My work extends far beyond the classroom. I host two inspiring shows within the Iron Sharpening Iron Universe on BBTV: The Coach’s Corner and Voices of Resilience. Through these live weekly broadcasts, I highlight powerful stories of courage, healing, and transformation. Many know me as “Mama Lyons”—a steady, grounded voice who brings people together and encourages them to speak their truth without shame or fear.

Through Rising Resilience, I’m building a suite of resources, workshops, online courses, and tools for families who want to raise emotionally strong children. My flagship programs and downloadable guides help parents navigate behavior issues, strengthen communication, and support their children’s mental and emotional well-being.

My message is simple but bold: you can rewrite your story, no matter where you started.

What sets me apart is my willingness to be transparent about the pain that shaped me. I speak openly about loss, trauma, and rebuilding so others feel less alone in their own journey. My story proves that resilience isn’t about being unbreakable—it’s about choosing to rise, again and again.

Today, I stand as a voice for hope, healing, and transformation. Through Rising Resilience, my podcasting platform, and my work in education, I’m helping people discover the strength they already carry inside.

And my life embodies the message I teach every day:

Resilience is not what happened to you. It’s who you become because of it.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As an adult, I endured the heartbreak of losing five babies, fought through domestic violence, and rebuilt my life after two failed marriages. I lost a business I once poured my entire future into, struggled financially for years, and carried the weight of raising a son with ADHD who often struggled in school.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At this stage in my life and career, everything I do is rooted in one core belief: resilience can be taught, strengthened, and lived out loud. My work centers around helping people—especially parents, teens, and educators—build the emotional and mental tools they need to navigate life’s toughest moments with strength and clarity.

What I Do

I wear a few powerful hats, all connected by the same mission:

Founder of Rising Resilience — a growing movement dedicated to helping families and schools cultivate emotional resilience. I create resources, workshops, and programs that make resilience practical and accessible, especially for those who feel overwhelmed or unsupported.

Middle School English Language Arts Teacher — I teach eighth grade, where I use writing, storytelling, and social-emotional learning to help students understand themselves and believe in their ability to grow. I bring compassion, structure, humor, and relevance into the classroom every day.

Host of Two Live Weekly Shows —
The Coach’s Corner and Voices of Resilience, both part of the Iron Sharpening Iron Universe on BBTV. I interview coaches, creators, leaders, and everyday people with extraordinary stories. My role is to draw out the truth, the lessons, and the hope in their journeys.

Speaker, Mentor, and Workshop Facilitator — I lead trainings, speak at conferences, and guide both youth and adults in understanding their own stories through reflection and personal growth.

What I Specialize In

—Resilience education for parents and teens

—Emotional and behavioral support strategies for families and classrooms

—Reflective writing as a healing and growth tool

—Authentic storytelling and truth-telling

—Helping others reclaim confidence across difficult seasons

—Building bridges between parents and educators so children can thrive

Everything I teach comes from lived experience, professional training, and years of walking alongside families and students in real-world situations.

What I’m Known For

People know me as “Mama Lyons”—a nurturing but strong presence with wisdom rooted in truth and compassion.
I’m known for:

—My transparency about the hardships I’ve faced

—My ability to turn personal pain into teaching tools

—My calm, grounded presence on camera and in the classroom

—My authentic style of coaching and conversation

—My gift for making people feel safe enough to share their story

What I’m Most Proud Of

—I’m proud that I didn’t let the pain of my past make me bitter.
—I’m proud that I found the courage to speak openly about:

—childhood physical abuse

—losing five babies

—domestic violence

—the loss of a business

—financial struggle

—rebuilding after two failed marriages

—parenting a child with ADHD through years of difficult school experiences

I’m proud that I turned those battles into a platform that now encourages thousands of people to rise.
And I’m proud that my students, my family, and my community see the light in me—not just the wounds.

What Sets Me Apart

What makes me different isn’t just what I teach—it’s how I teach it:

I’ve lived what I teach.

I lead with honesty, not perfection.

I’m willing to share the very things most people hide.

I weave resilience, emotional intelligence, and real-life application into everything I touch—teaching, parenting support, podcasting, writing, and speaking.

My life itself has become the testimony.
And that’s why people connect with my work: they feel seen, understood, and empowered.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory goes back to middle school, when I first began competing in oratorical competitions. That was the moment I realized how much I loved standing on a stage, using my voice, and pushing myself to rise to the occasion. It sparked something in me—a confidence and sense of purpose I didn’t yet have words for.

Another special memory was being crowned queen in a high school pageant. It was more than a title; it was one of the first times I truly felt seen and celebrated. Both experiences helped shape the woman I would become—strong, expressive, and unafraid to step into the spotlight when called.

Contact Info:

• Other: https://www.linktr.ee/davinawrightlyons