Meet Tuere K. Butler | Nonprofit Executive, Government & External Affairs

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tuere K. Butler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tuere K., have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I have been in the workforce for roughly 25 years and I’ve experienced several iterations of work output and effectiveness. During the Pandemic, my approach changed significantly. It was the first time I worked from home and because of the work I did (serving the late Congressman John Lewis as his District Director and being responsible for the staff, and his Constituency base of 760K residents as it relates to federal issues and federal agencies), the location transition from office to home pushed me in a cycle of working more hours. This cycle was not healthy for my mental and physical health. There was no separation, of work and home life.

I no longer think about balance but have yet replaced it with “prioritization”. I have learned for me that nothing deserves equal time or attention. That is a falsity in my life and what I’ve had to carry. Rather, what deserves priority at the moment? That is the question I am asking myself throughout the day.

I am driven by serving others. Helping people is in my wheelhouse so I truly believe it served as the north star in my career journey. I am in the business of building teams, developing leaders and cultivating work environments that foster creativity while producing effective work output that aligns with the mission and values of any organization I have represented.
The road was challenging, there were times I questioned my path and if my roles would be impactful. When I graduated from college (Spelman College), I had aspirations of going to Law School. I decided to take a year off and work at a Law Firm (King & Spalding) as a Document Clerk/Asst. Paralegal. I worked 60 hour weeks and I was void of anything else life had to offer as a new graduate entering in the workforce. Two years with the law firm showed me I wanted more than clocking billable hours. My trajectory up until this point had been directed towards law school and becoming a lawyer. After the incredible and eye-opening experience, I realized I no longer wanted to pursue a legal degree. In a space of transition, I received a call from Congressman John Lewis who asked me to interview for a position with his Atlanta Office. my matriculation serving Congressman Lewis was one of grit, hard work and determination. As his longest serving employee, I started as a staff asst. and ended as his District Director. There were plenty of challenges, discoveryWorking in government and serving the Constituents (residents) of the 5th congressional district taught me life lessons that have attributed to how I approach work and how I lead.
My brand and story is one that encompasses doing impactful work, working for the betterment of others. Leading with empathy and building for the next generation.

Life Lessons:
-Treating people with respect goes a long way
-Listen
-People need to connection, acknowledgement is a game-changer

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?
I love this question because all of my friends come to me for suggestions
Places to eat
-Little Sparrow
-Pasha
-Kimball House
-Del Bar

Places to Drink
-Burle’s Cocktail Bar
-Ranger Station
-JoJo’s Beloved
-The James Room

Places to Visit
-Ponce City Market (roof top)
-Piedmont Park
-The Beltline (hopefully you run into some of regulars like: the drummer underneath the bridge, the guy who skates up and down the beltline singing and spreading joy)
-Civil & Human Rights Museum

Places to Hang
-High Museum (3rd Friday Jazz Night)
-Colony Square
-Ormsby’s
-The Interlock

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?
Forever grateful to have walked alongside a true giant, Congressman John Lewis, for 22 unforgettable years. His unwavering courage, boundless compassion, and relentless pursuit of justice have shaped my path and purpose in ways I’m still uncovering every day. As I embark on new chapters in my career and life, I carry his lessons with me—stand firm in truth, speak up for others, and get into ‘good trouble’ when it matters. Thank you, Congressman, for showing us all what it means to lead with love and conviction. Your legacy lives on in each of us who had the honor to serve by your side.

Books that have helped me tremendously in my journey the last four years:

Gather by Octavia Raheem
Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown

Lastly, my Husband, Nate Butler. Who always encourages me and challenges me with no hesitation and my permanent cheerleaders my Parents.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuerebutler

Image Credits
Photography credit: Mary Claire Photography (Atlanta, GA)