Today we’d like to introduce you to Khadijah Butler.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m the Founder and President of the Craig D. Butler Scholarship Foundation; a memorial nonprofit I started to honor my father after he was murdered by a 14-year-old. Losing him at such a young age changed the trajectory of my life, and for years I carried that pain with me.
Starting the foundation was my way of turning that pain into purpose. While my father’s murder was the reason I started this journey, it isn’t what defines it today.
Today, what drives me is the impact we’re making in the lives of underserved students. As a Philly girl, I’ve always understood how much a scholarship, a mentor, or simply having someone believe in you can change the course of a young person’s future. Seeing our students graduate, pursue college, and accomplish goals they once thought were out of reach is the most rewarding part of this work.
My father’s legacy will always be at the heart of the foundation, but today it’s really about creating opportunities, building community, and helping the next generation see what’s possible for themselves.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I started the foundation during COVID, so building awareness and reaching students was a challenge from day one. Like many nonprofits, funding and donations were also a struggle, especially in the early years when people didn’t know who we were or what we were trying to accomplish.
But Philly taught me resilience. You learn to keep showing up, keep doing the work, and trust that people will eventually see the vision. Today, we’re impacting students’ lives in meaningful ways, and every scholarship awarded reminds me that even small beginnings can grow into something powerful. The challenges were real, but so is the impact, and that’s what gives me hope for what’s ahead.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
By day, I’m a Senior Manager in the pharmaceutical industry, where I’ve spent more than 20 years helping bring new therapies to patients. It’s a highly specialized field, and as one of a handful of Black women in leadership, I’ve learned that the best way to earn a seat at the table is to become so skilled at what you do that you’re undeniable.
But that’s only part of my story. I’m also the Founder and President of the Craig D. Butler Scholarship Foundation and the author of three books. What I’m known for is taking what I’ve learned in corporate America, leadership, strategy, relationship-building, and bringing those same skills back to the community.
What I’m most proud of is that I’ve never felt like I had to choose between success and service. I can help shape patient outcomes in pharma during the day and help change the trajectory of a student’s life through my nonprofit. As a Philly girl, that’s always been important to me. No matter how far I go professionally, I never forget where I came from or who I’m doing it for.
I think what sets me apart is that everything I do is connected to purpose. Whether it’s helping patients, mentoring students, or writing books, I’m always looking for ways to open doors for someone else. If my journey has taught me anything, it’s that success means a lot more when you reach back and bring others with you.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I don’t think of myself as a risk-taker for the sake of taking risks, but I do believe in betting on purpose. Starting a nonprofit was probably the biggest risk I’ve taken. I had no background in the nonprofit world, no blueprint, and no idea what it really took to run a scholarship foundation.
In my book, Laying the Foundation Brick by Brick, I share the real story, the trials, the triumphs, and all the lessons in between. I wrote it because when I started, I couldn’t find many resources that showed people what this journey actually looked like.
What kept me going was legacy. I wanted the Butler name to stand for something bigger than the tragedy that brought me here. Seven years later, with plenty of bumps and bruises, we’re still making an impact. To me, that’s what risk is: believing in a vision before anyone else sees it and having the faith to keep building one brick at a time.
Pricing:
- Donations of any amount support scholarships and educational opportunities for underserved students through the Craig D. Butler Scholarship Foundation.
- Sponsorship opportunities are available for individuals, organizations, and businesses interested in supporting student success.
- Laying the Foundation Brick by Brick is available for readers interested in learning more about my journey as a nonprofit founder, the lessons I’ve learned over the past seven years, and practical insights for those looking to build a lasting community impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.craigdbutlerscholarship.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdbscholarship/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Craig-D-Butler-Scholarship-Foundation-110999400479626/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CdbFoundation
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cdbscholarshipfoundation
