Transformation without friction, we care about your experience just as much.
We are trusted advisors to local governments, leading small businesses, universities and nonprofits. Our integrity and commitment to excellence enables us to efficiently solve problems and
deliver transformative results that no one else can, equipping our clients
with the tools, insights, and strategies needed to streamline
operations, enhance competitiveness, and
maximize the economics.
Our mission goes beyond the theory of change.
More senior-level, to-do list checkboxes closed. Quality execution.
As a catalyst for organizational, economic and community change, we leverage proven design, engagement, and analytical strategies to inform organizational decisions. We leverage the power of data analytics to create meaningful and measurable impact, ultimately promoting substantial, equitable and sustainable development.
Past Performance
At The Butterfly Effect, we specialize in transforming organizations through systems and workflow design, strategic project management, and data analytics.
We are a great fit for busy leaders who don’t have time for onboarding and need someone to come in and hit the ground running... we can help.
By integrating data-driven insights, forward-thinking strategies, and a deep understanding of risk management and public policy, The Butterfly Effect empowers clients to achieve sustainable, long-term impact. We deliver more than just solutions—we become trusted advisors who guide and equip you to thrive in a constantly evolving landscape. Reach out today to discover how our expertise can advance your mission and accelerate your growth.
The Founder
Cari Harris, MS, PMP
Founder & Principal Consultant
The Butterfly Effect
Cari Harris is the founder of The Butterfly Effect with a dedicated focus on organizational and community change. For the past four years, Cari A. Harris has led The Butterfly Effect, a profit-generating consultancy, providing strategic advisory and consulting services in analytics, project management and stakeholder engagement. Her work with local governments, universities, think tanks, startups and nonprofit organizations bring together her nine years of experience and contemporary knowledge to provide insightful and forward-looking solutions.
Cari's experience includes roles in analytics for Morgan Stanley, Merrill, and other financial corporations, where she honed her skills in data analysis and reporting, quality control, and business technology systems management. In her tenure as a principal consultant, she has consulted with over 100 organizations. Her ability to bridge analytics and strategy with organizational development has positioned her as a trusted partner for clients.
Cari is the founder of the Claude C. Thornton (CCT) Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to community building, education innovation, and environmental justice. Through the CCT Foundation, Cari launched the Greater Baltimore Climate Summit in 2024 with aims to increase economic impact and optimize existing resources in the region. The success of the inaugural summit is measured by impactful efforts including robust surveying of over 450 regional stakeholders on priority climate agenda items, engaging over 300 summit participants in November of 2024, and raising $40,000+ of initiative funding in less than 90 days in collaboration with over 20 partners including Morgan State University, Green & Healthy Homes Initiatives, Canopy by Hilton, Environmental Defense Fund, the HBCU Environmental Justice Collaborative, Interfaith Power & Light DMV and more.
Through the CCT Foundation, Cari also founded Blossoms Blooming Mentorship Program, a safe space for over 100 women in the mid-Atlantic region to fellowship and for mentors in the community to be celebrated and honored. Co-sponsored by Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute, this initiative underscores her dedication to community organizing and empowerment, particularly for women.
As the co-founder of the HBCU Environmental Justice Technical Collaborative (HEJT Collaborative), Cari focuses on sustainability, environmental justice, and economics projects. HEJT is a collaborative group of HBCU-affiliated economists, data scientists, geoscientists, and GIS specialists that visualize and analyze impacts of environmental policy for various stakeholders, including institutions, government agencies, and organizations.
Cari holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Morgan State University and a Master of Science in Applied Economics from Southern New Hampshire University. She was a Future Leaders cohort member with Council Fire (2022-2024), where she contributed to sustainability initiatives focused on environmental and economic resilience.
Currently, Cari sits on the advisory commission on Environmental Quality in Baltimore County and is a cohort member of Leadership Maryland’s prestigious Emerging Leader Program. Additionally, Cari is a Morgan State University alum with a Bachelors and Masters in Economics and an alumna of the Harbor Bank Emerging Developers Program’s third cohort (2019-2020).
In addition to her consulting and leadership work, Cari serves as a pro bono consultant with The Acceleration Project, advising small business owners on strategic growth, financial planning, and operational efficiency to drive both short- and sustainable, long-term success.