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:
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 Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS