Dr. LaWana L. Butler was born and raised in McKeesport, PA and a graduate of McKeesport Area School District. She possesses a Doctorate in Philosophy/Community Engagement from Point Park University, a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University, a Master of Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Point Park University, Certificate in Leadership from Geneva College’s Center for Urban Biblical Ministries and completed 30 credits from the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. She is a firm believer that education is the foundation of success.
Dr Butler’s current Board relationships include Healthy Start, Inc, Center for Urban Biblical Ministries, and WQED Community Advisory Committee and Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute. She is also a member of The National Association of Black Accountants, National Black MBA Association as well as a member of the Psi Chi and Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society. She recently received the New Pittsburgh Courier’s 2022 Women of Excellence award, Za’Kiyah House’s Pioneer in Recovery, Commonwealth Prevention Alliance 2023 Pennsylvania Prevention award and McKeesport Past and Present Community Service award.
She currently holds the positions of Executive Director of Foundation of HOPE, Adjunct Faculty member with University of Pittsburgh College of General Studies, and Co-Owner of Heuer House Recovery, She is the founder of Commissioned to Thrive Consulting LLC, Divine Healing Counseling and Twisted Hearts Transitional Services Ministries.
She is married to Rev. Walter C. Butler, and they are the proud parents of eight children, grandparents of 34 and great grandparents of 3.
Courses Taught at Pitt
- Practices in Nonprofit Management
- Leadership Seminar
- Nonprofit Fundraising
Education & Training
- PhD, Philosophy/Community Engagement - Point Park University
- MS, Counseling Psychology - Chatham University
- Masters Business Administration - Point Park University
- BS, Accounting - Point Park University
- Certificate in Leadership - Geneva College’s Center for Urban Biblical Ministry
Representative Publications
The African American female’s perception of the role the African American church played in their lived experiences of Intimate Partner Violence