Brodie Butler began her academic career as a premedical student, but it wasn't long before she discovered her true passion: helping others through nonprofit leadership.
"I liked the leadership aspect of being a physician more than actually being a physician," said Butler, the W. P. Carey School of Business' 2024 Outstanding Graduate Student. "My skill set is best suited for building organizations and systems, and supporting others in achieving their greatest potential. I want to positively impact people’s lives by reducing disparities and marginalization."
As an ASU Online student who lives in Los Angeles, Butler is putting her leadership skills into action as the director of programs at A Sense of Home, a nonprofit based in Hawthorne, California, serving youth who have aged out of the foster care system by providing furnished homes and a sense of community. In this role, she oversees the organization's home creation process, including warehouse operations, inventory, logistics, recipient intake, design, alumni relations, events and programming.
Before joining A Sense of Home, Butler served as the harm reduction program manager at The Village, an interim housing site in Skid Row, and then as the program manager of case management at the Access Center in Santa Monica through The People Concern, the largest social services and housing agency in Los Angeles. There, she led a team of case managers, using housing as a harm-reduction tool for people experiencing homelessness. Her impact extended to founding the Skid Row Science Club, supported by the nccPA Health Foundation's "Be the CHANGE" grant — a partnership with USC's Keck School of Medicine Physician Assistant program that empowered Skid Row residents through health education and harm reduction at The Village.
Butler's ultimate goal is to found, fund and operate a homeless services nonprofit organization to continue supporting one of the nation's most underserved and marginalized populations.
"The ultimate goal is to prevent and end homelessness," Butler said.
Question: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
Answer: When I found out that students would be allowed to use ChatGPT in my SCM 591: Sustainability and Social Responsibility course, I initially thought it was unfair. I emailed the instructor, Clinical Professor of Supply Chain Management Reynold Byers, and he helped me see artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool through the lens of “principled innovation," ASU's newest design aspiration that guides the use of new concepts, like AI, to create positive changes in society. Despite my hesitation, I tried using ChatGPT and was pleasantly surprised: It assisted me but didn’t take away opportunities for creativity, which I liked.
Q: How has your W. P. Carey experience prepared you to succeed and achieve your professional and personal goals?
A: It has made me a better leader and team player and has strengthened my mind and self-confidence. This experience has provided me with opportunities that will propel me into a new and exciting chapter in my life.
Q: Why did you choose to study at ASU?
A: I was drawn to ASU for its focus on innovation — specifically, its emphasis on principled innovation. W. P. Carey also has one of the most affordable and reputable online MBA programs, which allowed me to continue working full time in Los Angeles while pursuing my degree.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
A: Clinical Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship Marcie LePine’s MGT 502: Organizational Behavior course was instrumental in shaping me into the leader I am today. Her class taught me the importance of getting out of my way and seeing a situation's bigger picture by gaining a higher-level perspective on organizational issues to identify and address challenges with diplomacy and tact.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: Take care of yourself, give yourself grace and keep pushing forward with purpose in mind.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I plan to continue growing with A Sense of Home and try some new hobbies, including self-care hobbies. I try not to plan in too much detail too far ahead so I can remain flexible with whatever comes my way. I trust there will be positive full circles and manifestations ahead.
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
A: I would continue to support A Sense of Home’s mission of fully furnishing homes and creating a community for former foster youth, and eventually establish my own homeless services nonprofit organization.
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