How a BVU Fellow Transformed ZENworks Yoga
A Growing Mission Meets Strategic Expertise
When a BVU Fellow joined ZENworks Yoga in 2024, they had a growing mission to bring yoga and mindfulness into schools and needed a more robust brand presence and increased online visibility to reach more students, teachers, and stakeholders. The Fellow they connected with had the expertise to make that a reality.
One of his initial projects was helping ZENworks organize the way they spoke about what they did. Working together, the Fellow guided the team to develop a new brand identity, tagline, and logo that distinctly spoke to their purpose. The new image not only spoke well to the teachers but also gave the nonprofit professional face that inspired confidence in donors and collaborators.
Building a Stronger Digital Foundation
The BVU Fellow also tackled the organization’s website, by reorganizing navigation and reviving copy, he made it easier for visitors to find what they were searching for. He also answered an unexpected problem. Many visitors were searching for adult yoga classes and not for the school-based programs ZENworks provides. Under the Fellows changes, the site now prominently displays the nonprofit’s mission, helping to attract the right visitors and end confusion.
Sustainable Impact Beyond Design
His work did not stop with design; he also created a branded collateral library and built a marketing toolkit so the team could continue selling their work years after the end of the fellowship. His approach allowed ZENworks to project further without adding on extra overhead costs. The impact has been immediate and extensive. With a stronger brand identity, refreshed website and messaging, ZENworks is now positioned to engage more schools, teachers, and donors. The nonprofit is eager to see an uptick in program inquiries, increased donor relationships, and more visibility in the community.
The Power of Professional Partnership
For ZENworks, the presence of a BVU Fellow was a revelation.
“Tom brought a level of sophistication and professionalism that was priceless,” the team described. “We had a shoestring budget, and his strategic thinking and marketing expertise helped position us for long-term success. We couldn’t have done it without the investment of BVU’s fellowship program.”
Stories like ZENworks highlight the immense support BVU Fellows have on helping nonprofits. Through the addition of experienced and professional talent, organizations become capable of accomplishing projects that might otherwise remain out of reach.
About BVU Fellows
BVU Fellows connect experienced business professionals with nonprofits for short-term, high-impact projects. Fellows contribute skills in marketing, finance, strategy, and more—helping organizations accelerate key initiatives and strengthen their long-term capacity. BVU Fellows are part of Encore Cleveland, engaging seasoned professionals, often nearing or in retirement, who take on meaningful, paid opportunities with nonprofits. They leverage decades of leadership and experience to help organizations grow, innovate, and deepen their community impact – while finding renewed purpose through service.