Dr. Shakti Butler is a multiracial African-American woman - (African, Arawak Indian, and Russian-Jewish). Her work as a creative and visionary bridge builder has challenged and inspired learning for over twenty-one years. Dr. Butler is also the producer and director of the groundbreaking documentaries, The Way Home and Light in the Shadows and Mirrors of Privilege: Making Whiteness Visible, which is World Trust’s latest release.
In 1994, as Executive Director of World Trust Educational Services, Inc., Dr. Butler designed and launched Heart to Heart Conversations®, a national program of public dialogue designed to help people learn together and share deep feelings about race and culture. This program has gained recognition and been reviewed on both local and national television. Her videos serve as catalysts for dialogue and set the context for constructive conversations on oppression through the lens of race. Shakti’s work moves conversations beyond black and white and speaks to the interconnectedness of racism, classism, sexism, and homophobia.
Shakti is an inspirational facilitator, trainer and lecturer. Her work emerges from years of self-exploration, commitment to social justice and experience as a learner, lecturer and public speaker. Dr. Butler's services are sought after by colleges, universities, public and private organizations, religious and spiritual institutions.
A warm and compassionate person, she uses her ability to listen deeply while asking critical questions that support self-directed learning in others. Her speaking and teaching styles enrich people's abilities to move toward expanded capacities for building community. Group dialogue, self-inquiry, reflection and whole body learning by participants are some of the strategies she employs. In addition, her videos and conversation programs stimulate the kind of new questions, which enhance any efforts towards deep learning and change.
Dr. Butler received her doctorate from the California Institute of Integral Studies in the School of Transformative Learning and Change. She holds an MA in Guidance and Counseling from Bank Street College of New York and graduated Magna Cum Laude from City College of New York. She is also a contributing author to The New Entrepreneurs, an anthology on new paradigm business practices and learning.
Download Dr. Butler's Curriculum Vitae
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Thank you once again for the outstanding presentation and workshop that you provided for students, faculty and staff of Agnes Scott as well as Spelman College and Emory University. As one student stated, 'What a fabulous, emotional day! Thank you.' For a second straight year, your presentation and workshop evaluations are excellent!
Isa D. Williams, Ph.D.,
Program Director, The Atlanta Semester Agnes Scott College
