Sociologist · Scholar-Practitioner · Systems Change Leader

Liberatory Futures

For All People

People-centered strategy, action-oriented research, and advocacy — partnering with organizations to advance justice and liberation.

ABOUT

Research. Strategy.

Community Partnership.

Dr. Curtis L. Webb III is a sociologist whose journey marries action-oriented research with impassioned advocacy, echoing the timeless wisdom of W.E.B. Du Bois's scholar-practitioner model. His philosophy centers shared knowledge production, community advocacy, and fervent commitment to systems change — all converging to foster the liberation of all.

His work spans health equity, racial equity, organizational change, asset-focused community engagement, civic health, equity-centered grant-making, and skills-based capacity building. He partners with philanthropic, nonprofit, community, and public organizations nationwide, bringing strategic vision to complex challenges and translating community insight into actionable change.

An HBCU graduate from Morehouse College, proud son of the Southside of Chicago, and a sociology PhD graduate from the University of Cincinnati, Dr. Curtis honors his background through his commitment to community-centered approaches. As a grounding technique, he often asks, "What does this mean to my grandma?" — an invitation to center the most vulnerable in every decision.


Guiding Principles

Ubuntu

Our shared humanity and interconnectedness guide every collaboration.

Community Voice First

Centering community leadership in research, design, and decision-making.

Everybody Eats

A communal approach that prioritizes liberatory futures for all people.

Equity as Practice

Moving beyond theory to embed equity in every process and outcome.

FOCUS AREAS

How I Work

If you're navigating complex challenges at the intersection of equity, community, and systems change, you don't just need a consultant. You need a thought partner who understands the terrain.

Dr. Curtis brings both the rigor of a trained sociologist and the instincts of a community practitioner to every engagement. Whether you're designing research, building coalitions, or rethinking how your organization embeds equity into its work, Dr. Curtis meets you where you are and helps you move where you need to go. He works with philanthropic, nonprofit, community, and public-sector organizations that are serious about doing the work, not just talking about it.

Mixed-Methods Research

Action-oriented research and equitable evaluation that centers community voice.

Coalition Building

Building cross-sector coalitions to advance racial, health, and economic equity.

Strategic Planning

Translating community-driven insights into strategies for lasting systems change.

Facilitation & Convening

In-person and virtual facilitation that fosters authentic dialogue and action.

Ideation & Prototyping

Co-designing innovative solutions with stakeholders at every level.

Training & Capacity Building

Skills-based capacity building, coaching, and technical assistance.

Speaking & Workshops

Selected Presentations

30+ national and regional workshops, panels, and conference presentations on philanthropy, community-led research, equity-centered evaluation, social innovation, and systems change.


Building Together: A Co-Design Approach for Community-Led Research

Interdisciplinary Association for Population Science Annual Conference

Sept 2025

Pittsburgh, PA


Collaborative Problem-Solving for Social Innovators

Trust in Practice Summit — Alliance for Social Trust (Aspen Institute & Allstate)

May 2025

Chicago, IL


And STILL WE Rise: Envisioning a Values and Community-Driven Evaluation Strategy

Interdisciplinary Association for Population Science Annual Conference

Nov 2024

St. Louis, MO


The Art of Unlearning: Centering Equity in Capacity Building

Philanthropy Forward — Philanthropy Ohio

Sept 2024

Cincinnati, OH


Get In Touch

Let's Connect

Let's connect and explore how we might collaborate