Guided by a Mission Bigger Than You

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: Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!