Working at Georgetown a Long-Held Goal for Butler

Aleria Butler stands in a room with flags lined up behind her — Aleria Butler, pictured at a Georgetown University Hoya Staffing employment and recruitment event

(June 11, 2026) — While living in Chicago several years ago, Aleria Butler thought about what she would like to do next in her career. One aspiration consistently came to mind: working at Georgetown University.

“I used to say that one day, I would love to work at Georgetown,” she said. “It felt like a distant goal at the time, but it was always something I hoped for.”

That goal became reality in 2017 when Butler was hired to work at Georgetown University in human resources. She credited John Williamson, a longtime Georgetown human resources leader and head of Hoya Staffing, with helping launch her Georgetown career.

Since then, she has worked in different roles across the university, including at Hoya Kids Learning Center and Georgetown University Law Center, before starting in her current position as executive assistant in the Department of Neuroscience in 2024. She also represents the medical center on Georgetown’s Staff/AAP Advisory Council.

Butler’s wide range of experiences reflects her diverse interests and her passion for people. “I love building relationships and making connections,” she said.

Four individual stand behind a table at an outdoor event — Butler, far l, at the 2025 Staff/AAP Picnic with fellow council members (from l) Carolina Pachon (Main Campus), Tatiana Blayo (University Services), and Robbie Angarone (Law Center).

Georgetown via Chicago

Born at Howard University Hospital in Washington, Butler comes from a family with deep roots in the city, spanning three generations of Washingtonians. She was raised in Temple Hills, Maryland, before moving to Chicago, where she participated in AmeriCorps programs while raising her daughter, Angel.

After returning to the Washington area, Butler completed her bachelor’s degree in English at the University of the District of Columbia.

“It took me 18 years to finish my degree, but I did it,” she said. “I’ve never given up. No matter the obstacles, I’ve always found a way to keep moving forward.”

In 2021, Butler was confirmed into the Catholic Church at St. Augustine Catholic Church. She says Georgetown’s Jesuit mission strengthened her commitment to faith, service and community.

“Georgetown was the tipping point for me,” she said. “The values and mission really resonate with me and align with my own.”

Butler’s connection to Georgetown extends beyond her own career. Her daughter, Angel (C’27), is entering her senior year at Georgetown, where she is majoring in English and sociology.

Aleria in cap and gown with her daughter — Butler at her graduation from the University of the District of Columbia with her daughter, Angel

Aleria Butler and her daughter sit in seats at a sporting event — Butler with Angel (C’27), who is now a rising senior at Georgetown

Building Community Through Service

As executive assistant in the Department of Neuroscience, Butler supports departmental operations, coordinates seminars and events, and serves as the department’s cost center buyer.

“I love building relationships and making connections,” she said. “One of my favorite parts of the job is bringing people together and supporting the work of our faculty, staff and students.”

Although her academic background is in English and education, Butler has enjoyed learning about neuroscience through her work and has developed a particular interest in cognitive neuroscience and language development.

Three individuals stand together in a church — Butler (center) at the 2022 Sister Thea Bowman Lecture with Rev. Ebony Grisom, Georgetown director for Protestant life (left), and Rev. Zina Jacque, PhD, president and chair, National Senior Communities

Two women stand together — Butler (r) with Georgetown professor and author Ella F. Washington, PhD, at a Georgetown Women’s Alliance event

Diverse Interests

Outside of work, Butler enjoys yoga, organizing, reading, attending lectures and visiting museums. She is active at both St. Augustine Catholic Church and Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where she participates in ministries focused on faith formation, sustainability and social justice.

For Butler, sustainability and faith are closely connected.

“It’s about being good stewards of God’s creation and recognizing that everything is interconnected,” she said.

Kat Zambon
GUMC Communications