Show Notes
Asiaha Butler
In this episode Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Asiaha Butler, co-founder and CEO of the Resident Association of Greater Englewood (R.A.G.E.), to explore how one resident’s decision to stay transformed into a powerful, resident-led movement for community healing, ownership, and revitalization. Asiaha shares the defining moment that changed her life: seeing a young girl playing in a vacant lot filled with broken glass and deciding that leaving Englewood was no longer the answer.
Through this conversation, Asiaha unpacks how grassroots leadership, deep relationship-building, and a mission bigger than yourself can spark lasting change. From helping residents reclaim vacant lots to promoting homeownership, economic justice, and neighborhood belonging, her story offers nonprofit leaders a compelling model for building trust, preventing mission drift, and leading with both courage and joy.
Key Topics Include:
How a single moment in a vacant lot inspired Asiaha Butler to stay in Englewood and invest in her community
The founding story of R.A.G.E. (Resident Association of Greater Englewood) and its resident-led approach to transformation
Why “community development of the mind” is essential before physical redevelopment can succeed
How relationship-building, belonging, and “porch life” help restore social fabric in disconnected communities
The role of vacant land activation, homeownership, and the Buy the Block Homebuyer Grant in advancing economic justice
How nonprofit leaders can document their story, reflect on their journey, and share their mission more effectively
Asiaha’s leadership lessons on rest, reflection, joy, and preventing burnout in mission-driven work
Mentioned in This Episode:
Resident Association of Greater Englewood (R.A.G.E.)
Asiaha Butler on Instagram (@mrs_englewood)
R.A.G.E. on Instagram (@rage_englewood)
This Episode is Sponsored By:
DonorBox
Links to Resources:
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