Empowerment Stories

EMPOWERING BOSS LIFE

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?

Khadijah Butler: My journey began with a deep personal loss—when a 14-year-old tragically took my father’s life over a simple accident. That moment ignited my mission to be a catalyst for change. In his honor, I founded the Craig D. Butler Scholarship Foundation, a nonprofit that provides two annual $1,000 scholarships to African American high school seniors in Pennsylvania and Camden County, NJ.

Since its establishment in 2020, the foundation has awarded 10 scholarships, launched a scholarship workshop initiative for parents of low-income students, and started an annual Winter Trunk Party in partnership with local universities—Rowan University being the first. We've also built cause-marketing partnerships with organizations that share our mission to uplift and support students in their educational journey.

Beyond my work with the foundation, I am a published author, with books such as Laying the Foundation Brick by Brick (2nd edition releasing in March 2025) and The CDB Scholarship Monthly Planner (available in K-12 and College Editions). My passion is not just about providing financial assistance but also about equipping students and families with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the path to higher education successfully.

EMPOWERING BOSS LIFE

Could you please share your personal story with us?

Khadijah Butler: "I never dreamt of being a writer." This is the second sentence in my book, marking the beginning of an altruistic journey that led me to become both a nonprofit founder and an author.

By day, I advance the world of health as a Project Data Manager in clinical research, a field I’ve been dedicated to for the past 18 years. By night, I am deeply invested in community wellness through my nonprofit, embracing the duality of these roles to make an impact both in healthcare and education.

The tragic loss of my father to gun violence was the catalyst for starting my nonprofit, but the true mission extends beyond that moment. Through the Craig D. Butler Scholarship Foundation, my goal is to equip future scholars with the tools, resources, and access they need to pursue higher education. Philadelphia is often in the headlines for gun violence, but I am committed to changing the narrative—challenging stereotypes and ensuring that students are recognized for their potential, not overshadowed by the challenges of their environment.

This work is more than a passion; it’s a purpose-driven mission to create opportunities, inspire change, and redefine what’s possible for the next generation.

EMPOWERING BOSS LIFE

How would you describe your life prior to the incident?

Khadijah Butler: Before the incident, my life followed what many would call the "Straight and Narrow"—doing things the right way according to societal norms: get good grades, go to college, get a good job, buy a house. I was on a structured path, checking off the expected milestones without much deviation.

Then, during my sophomore year of undergrad, everything changed. My father’s murder shattered that linear path, throwing me into a winding journey filled with grief, confusion, and anger. The loss was devastating, but over time, it became a catalyst for transformation.

Now, 25 years later, I’ve grown in ways I never imagined. I’ve learned to embrace the power of the pivot, step outside the box, and find fulfillment beyond traditional success. More importantly, running a nonprofit has given me something invaluable—instant gratification in making a direct impact on others' lives. The pain of my past shaped me, but it did not define me; instead, it fueled my purpose.

EMPOWERING BOSS LIFE

In what ways has this experience impacted your life?

Khadijah Butler: This experience has taught me the preciousness of life, the lasting power of memories, and the depth of my resilience. Losing a parent in a traumatic way—especially as a daughter losing her father—is indescribable. It’s a pain that never fully fades and something I still struggle with.

However, through that pain, I’ve found purpose. I now realize that my books and nonprofit weren’t just healing tools for me—they have become a source of hope and survival for others. What started as a personal journey of grief has transformed into a mission to uplift, educate, and create opportunities for future scholars. This experience has shaped me into someone who not only carries my father’s legacy forward but also ensures that his impact lives on through the lives of those I help.

EMPOWERING BOSS LIFE

How did you manage to overcome the challenges you faced during this difficult time?

Khadijah Butler: Overcoming this difficult time took years of therapy, grace, and perseverance. Grief has no set timeline, and it often appears at the most unexpected moments. There isn’t a handbook on how to move past it—only the process of learning how to live with it in a way that makes sense for you.

For me, healing wasn’t about erasing the pain but about finding purpose through it. Therapy helped me navigate the emotional weight, while grace allowed me to be patient with myself. Perseverance kept me moving forward, even when it felt impossible. In time, I realized that my books and nonprofit weren’t just ways to honor my father’s legacy—they became part of my healing, helping me turn my pain into a source of strength for others.

EMPOWERING BOSS LIFE

What was the most significant obstacle you encountered, and how did you overcome it?

Khadijah Butler: The most significant obstacle I faced was the COVID-19 shutdown, which happened just two months after launching the foundation. It was an unexpected challenge that disrupted everything—mailings to guidance counselors and businesses were returned or never received, and fundraising became incredibly difficult due to restrictions on in-person gatherings.

To overcome this, I had to pivot quickly and adapt. I shifted focus to virtual outreach, leveraging email, social media, and online networking to connect with schools and businesses. For fundraising, I explored virtual fundraising campaigns and online donation platforms, allowing us to continue raising money despite the limitations. While the shutdown was a major hurdle, it ultimately forced me to find creative solutions and build a more resilient, adaptable foundation—one that could withstand challenges and still fulfill its mission.

EMPOWERING BOSS LIFE

Can you describe your reaction to these challenges and the steps you took to overcome them?

Khadijah Butler: My initial reaction was frustration and uncertainty, but instead of letting the challenges stop me, I chose to adjust and find new solutions. I joined virtual scholarship boards to spread awareness about the foundation, ensuring students and schools still had access to the opportunities we provided. Instead of an in-person fundraiser, we hosted a silent auction, allowing us to continue raising funds safely and effectively.

More than anything, this experience was my first real test of endurance and resilience. Navigating these challenges showed me that obstacles are just opportunities to think creatively and push forward. Since then, every challenge I’ve faced has felt like a cakewalk in comparison, reinforcing my ability to problem-solve, lead, and keep moving forward no matter what comes my way.

EMPOWERING BOSS LIFE

Who has been a source of inspiration in your life, and what qualities do they possess that inspire you?

Khadijah Butler: My inspiration comes from a combination of people—family, friends, mentors, and colleagues—all of whom have played a role in shaping me into the woman I am today. Each has provided valuable insights, guidance, and encouragement along my journey.

The qualities that inspire me most in them are their wisdom, encouragement, support, and vulnerability. Their wisdom has helped me navigate challenges, their encouragement has pushed me to keep going, their support has remained strong, and their willingness to be vulnerable has shown me the power of authenticity. These qualities continue to motivate me to grow, lead, and uplift others just as they have done for me.

EMPOWERING BOSS LIFE

If you could give yourself advice, what would it be?

Khadijah Butler: "Give yourself grace, Khadijah."

I’ve always been someone who focuses more on doing than celebrating, constantly pouring myself into others without always taking the time to acknowledge my achievements. If I could give myself advice, it would be to embrace my successes, appreciate my growth, and allow myself moments of recognition. Learning from my accomplishments is something I need to improve, and reminding myself that I deserve the same encouragement I give to others is just as important.

EMPOWERING BOSS LIFE

What do you believe are the most important qualities of a successful entrepreneur?

Khadijah Butler: I believe the most important qualities of a successful entrepreneur are Confidence, Fearlessness, Flexibility, and Determination. These qualities have been the foundation of sustaining my nonprofit for the past five years. As an entrepreneur, you have to wake up knowing that you will be tested, challenged, and said "No" more times than you can count—and still be willing to keep moving forward. Confidence allows you to trust your vision, fearlessness pushes you to take risks, flexibility helps you adapt to obstacles, and determination keeps you marching on, no matter what stands in your way.

EMPOWERING BOSS LIFE

What are your future goals and aspirations?

Khadijah Butler: My future goals and aspirations are to expand my foundation globally, increasing the number of scholarships awarded to impact even more students. I want to create greater opportunities for underrepresented scholars, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to pursue higher education.

Ultimately, my vision is to run my nonprofit full-time, dedicating my time and energy to growing its reach, strengthening partnerships, and making a lasting difference in communities worldwide.

EMPOWERING BOSS LIFE

What advice would you offer to someone who is interested in pursuing entrepreneurship?

Khadijah Butler: Be Open, Have a Plan, and Identify Your "Why."

Entrepreneurship requires flexibility—be open to feedback and be willing to operate your business in ways that may not always align with your original vision. Being closed-minded will only keep you stagnant.

Having a plan is just as important. Plans A, B, and C will keep you in the fight when challenges arise. Things won’t always go as expected, but preparation and adaptability will help you navigate obstacles.

Most importantly, know your "Why." Your "Why" is your driving force—the motivation that pushes you forward when things get tough. It’s the fuel that keeps you going when all else fails. When you stay rooted in your purpose, success will follow.

Website: www.craigdbutlerscholarship.com