This inaugural mini-series launches our pod, centered exclusively and solely on social impact, mission-driven leaders of color. The episodes will feature an abridged conversation with a leader who in real-time is grappling with what are inarguably the most challenging questions and choices they have ever to make. They have agreed to speak with Dax in the middle of processing decisions that will likely define their legacy and their organization’s immediate and long term future.

Dr. Akilah Watkins-Butler is President and CEO for the Center for Community Progress, America’s non-profit leader for turning “Vacant Spaces into Vibrant Places.” 

A 25-year national thought leader, conference speaker, and non-profit executive, Dr. Watkins-Butler’s work began at the age of 14 when she led efforts to convert a vacant lot and abandoned home into a community center in Roosevelt, New York. Since then, she’s served as an executive leader for non-profits and community development initiatives which includes work with the Obama administration, NeighborWorks America, the Ford Foundation, and hundreds of municipalities throughout the U.S. 

Today, Dr. Watkins-Butler’s work as an equity advocate includes leading work in more than 300 communities in 48 states at Community Progress. Collaboratively, Community Progress works to grow strong, equitable communities where vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties are transformed into assets for neighbors and neighborhoods. 

Connect with Dr. Watkins-Butler today by following @DrAkilahWB on Twitter and LinkedIn.