We had the good fortune of connecting with Khadijah Butler and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Khadijah, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Equity and Black student success are at the core of what the Craig D. Butler Scholarship Foundation stands for and providing scholarships to the community furthers that student’s success. Our organization takes pride in arming future scholars with the tools, resources, and access necessary to receive an education, which increases their chances of breaking the cycle of poverty. Investing in our youth has a ripple effect of positive actions to the community including an increase in high school graduation rates, creation of economic independence and social mobility, instilling a sense of belonging and fulfillment in the recipients, and promoting philanthropy. CDB Scholarship recipients are not only appreciative but are now encouraged to begin engaging in altruistic/philanthropic efforts. Their commitment to pay it forward plays a significant part in creating future leaders who nurture their communities.
Overall, CDB Scholarships’ pledge to bridge education inequality and mobilize economic growth within our community is boundless.
What should our readers know about your business?
The CDB Scholarship Foundation was established in January 2020, to honor the life of my father Craig D. Butler, for whom the scholarship is named, and to continue his legacy of integrity, generosity, and service. What sets our scholarship foundation apart from others is we provide financial assistance to African Americans in pursuit of higher education in the aftermath of gun violence.
What I’m most proud of is the impact our organization has in assisting college-bound students to pursue their dreams of education, as well as changing the narrative that black excellence exists.
Business-wise, I got to where I am today because of flow. Life took me on a journey of starting a foundation and I followed the path. Sure, hard work fuels it but going with the flow got me here. It most definitely wasn’t easy but what in life is easy that’s worth having? I overcame the challenges through faith, perseverance, and steps. Taking steps has helped me reach my goals much faster than running stairs. Patience is the most underutilized skill set but has been the most valuable skill in contributing to my success.
The biggest lesson I learned along the way is knowing when to pivot. Covid and its variants have had a significant impact on my business but figuring out what works and what doesn’t will ensure that your business continues to grow.
What I want the world to know about my brand and my story is that it defines some of who I am but it’s only the beginning. I hope that through my foundation that our family legacy lives on and inspires others to become a catalyst for change.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Most fun places to check out: The Trap Music Museum, Center for Civil and Human Rights, Martin Luther King Jr.s Birth Home. Great places to eat is Ole Lady Gang and Fellaship.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout goes to the Butler Family and my immediate circle of friends. They are the tribe that continues to push me in ways that I never thought were possible. To the hosts of donors, supporters, and fellow entrepreneurs who have truly shaped the trajectory of my scholarship program, I salute you.
Website: https://www.craigdbutlerscholarship.com/
Instagram: @cdbscholarship
Twitter: @cdbfoundation
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Craig-D-Butler-Scholarship-Foundation-110999400479626/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4WnqGujZnGlJjFVzbp9QtA