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