Our Founder: Dr. Shatki Butler
Dr. Shakti Butler is a distinguished and influential figure in the fields of social justice, racial equity, and documentary filmmaking. With a career spanning several decades, she has made significant contributions to the advancement of diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism efforts in both academia and the broader society.
Born with a deep commitment to social change, Dr. Butler embarked on her journey to create a more just and equitable world. As a biracial person from a multicultural background, Shakti was brought up with an innate sense of how diversity works, racial power dynamics, and a multitude of perspectives.
Thanks to the influence of her Caribbean father, she is a longtime meditator who is acutely attuned to the spiritual aspects of the human experience and the tragedy of our self-imposed racial divisions. These insights sowed the seeds of what would eventually become the crucial work of World Trust.
After a self-described wild period as a young adult, Shakti experienced a number of spiritual awakenings in her meditations, leading her to understand that she wanted to be a part of something bigger – something that would introduce all peoples to the divine love she had experienced during her spiritual journey. After some deep soul searching and some years of experience in the professional world, Shakti earned her Ph.D. in Transformation and Consciousness from the California Institute of Integral Studies, a program that allowed her to explore the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and social change.
Throughout her career, Dr. Butler has worn many hats, including filmmaker, educator, facilitator, and lecturer. Her acclaimed documentaries, such as “Cracking the Codes: The System of Racial Inequity” and “The Way Home: Women Talk About Race in America,” have been instrumental in sparking important conversations about race, privilege, and systemic inequity. These films have been widely used as educational tools to promote understanding and change.
As an educator, Dr. Shakti Butler has worked tirelessly to foster inclusive and equitable learning environments. She has conducted numerous workshops, seminars, and training sessions on topics related to diversity and social justice, engaging with diverse audiences from schools and universities to corporate boardrooms. Her approach is rooted in compassion, empathy, and a deep belief in the transformative power of dialogue.
Dr. Butler is also the Founder and President Emeritus of World Trust Educational Services, and is actively doing her part to create a more inclusive and just society. Through her work at World Trust, she continues to empower people to address issues of racism and systemic oppression.
With her compassionate and insightful approach, Dr. Shakti Butler has earned recognition and respect as a thought leader and change-maker in the field of social justice. Her commitment to dismantling racism and promoting healing and understanding among diverse communities has left an indelible mark on the world, inspiring countless individuals to take action towards a more equitable future.