Taifa Butler is the President of Demos, the “think tank of the movement” - dedicated to building a democracy and economy rooted in racial equity. Taifa talks the politics of her native Philadelphia in her formative years, what inspired her to pursue a life in politics and advocacy, her path to becoming President of Demos in early 2021, the work she’s most passionate about now, and her best practices on leadership, fundraising, public speaking, and much more.
IN THIS EPISODE
Taifa talks growing up amidst the tumultuous Philadelphia political scene in the 70s and 80s…
Taifa remembers the momentous transition in the city from Mayor Frank Rizzo to Mayor Wilson Goode…
The experience as a junior in high school that set Taifa on her path toward politics and advocacy…
Taifa talks how single-sex schools gave her important opportunities…
The lessons Taifa learned in a narrow loss running for local office…
Taifa de-mystifies the role that think tanks can play in our politics…
Taifa’s thoughts on how advocates can be successful even when partisan and ideological currents work against them…
Taifa remembers what she’s seen working with and around Stacey Abrams…
Taifa talks the priorities of the progressive think tank Demos and her path to becoming its President…
Taifa explains what it looks like to head a large national think tank…
Taifa talks how to avoid non-profit jargon…
Taifa’s thoughts on how to build the right team for an organization, plus tips for jobseekers…
Taifa’s 101 on how she thinks about racial equity and advice for those looking to learn more…
Taifa’s tips for those who want to improve their public-speaking skill set…
Taifa’s “one unusual work habit”…
…and much more!