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Leading the Change in Corporate Social Responsibility with Kelem Butts: Tackling Health & Educational Challenges in a Disrupted World

This episode of DisruptED features Kelem Butts discussing how corporate social responsibility strategies must evolve to address compounding challenges in health and education. Butts explores how business leaders can pivot their community investment approaches in a world disrupted by technology, economic shifts, and social inequity. The conversation centers on aligning corporate giving with tangible outcomes in underserved communities.

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By Ron Stefanski · At&tCsr StrategiesDisruptedKelem Butts
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Key takeaways

01

Corporate giving strategies must adapt to address intersecting health and education challenges in disrupted environments.

02

Effective CSR requires leaders who understand both business transformation and measurable community impact.

03

Bridging the gap between corporate investment and community needs demands intentional, outcomes-driven approaches.

In an era where corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies are rapidly evolving, adapting to new challenges is paramount. As digital transformation accelerates societal shifts, organizations like United Way of Metropolitan Dallas are at the forefront of addressing critical issues, from education to economic mobility. This episode of DisruptED dives into the dynamic world of CSR with Kelem Butts, who transitioned from a 20-year career at AT&T to lead impactful initiatives at United Way.

What does it take to pivot CSR strategies in a rapidly disrupted world? And how can organizations balance resource reallocation while maintaining their mission?

In the second episode of this two-part series on DisruptED, host Ron J. Stefanski delves into the evolution of CSR with Kelem Butts, Vice President of CSR Strategy at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. The conversation explores career rewirement, strategic pivots, and creating measurable impact. Together, they unpack the challenges and opportunities of aligning corporate and nonprofit goals to address pressing community needs.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

Strategic Pivoting in CSR: Insights into how AT&T shifted focus from upskilling to addressing the digital divide during COVID-19 and how this transformation inspired Kelem’s career shift.

Measurable Impact in Education and Income Mobility: United Way's data-driven approach to tackling issues like third-grade literacy rates and increasing living wages in Dallas.

Adapting to Disruption: The evolution of career navigation programs to meet workforce demands in a tech-driven, globally interdependent economy.

Kelem Butts is a thought leader in CSR with over two decades of experience. He previously spearheaded transformative initiatives at AT&T and now drives strategic efforts at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, focusing on education, income, and health. A passionate advocate for social impact, Kelem combines his corporate expertise with a nonprofit lens to deliver lasting change.

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Ron Stefanski

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About the Experts

RS
Ron Stefanski

Host, DisruptED

Ron Stefanski is the host of DisruptED, a podcast and media platform focused on disruption and innovation in education. He explores how technology, policy, and leadership are reshaping learning environments. Stefanski regularly interviews executives and changemakers driving transformation across the education sector.

KB
Kelem Butts

President and CEO

Urban League of Greater Atlanta

Kelem Butts is a corporate social responsibility and community development leader with experience bridging business investment and social impact. He has held executive roles focused on education equity, workforce development, and health access in underserved communities. Butts is known for aligning corporate giving strategies with measurable community outcomes.

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