Children are the future; and to that end, education is vital. Alicia Robinson understands this truth. She has chosen education, and working to support quality education for traditionally marginalized communities, as her life's work. Alicia is an Education Career Catalyst, and today you have the privilege of reading about her journey on this particular path to social justice. Thank you, Alicia, for the work you are doing for our nation’s children!

What is your "day job"?

I believe that with the right people and organizational culture, traditionally marginalized communities can attain education equity. To that end, I work with education professionals and high-impact education organizations to ensure optimal talent matches, and assist those organizations in incorporating effective talent management strategies. I like to think of myself as an education career catalyst.

Who were your heroes, or mentors?

My heroes include women leaders who defied the odds to leave the world a better place, like the ones I admired as a teenager in “I Dream A World: Portraits of Black Women Who Changed America”. I’m also regularly inspired by the women educators I know and work with who devote their skills and talent to improve educational outcomes.

When did you decide you were an Education Career Catalyst, that this would be your journey?

I decided while working at a boutique public relations firm in downtown Washington, DC that I wanted to stop talking about public education problems in the nation’s capital and instead be a part of solving them.

If you weren't an Education Career Catalyst, what would life look like?

If I weren’t working to improve education equity, I think I’d be working on some other social justice cause. If I wasn’t involved in such work, I don’t think I’d feel that I was truly living my purpose.

If you had it all to do over again, would you do anything differently?

I’ve definitely experienced bumps in the road, but I don’t believe in regret. I feel like the path I’ve taken and the experiences I’ve had – both good and bad – have made me who I am today and who I will ultimately become.

What do you do for you that brings you absolute joy or peace?

I spend time with those with whom I’m close. I also read, enjoy the arts (plays, movies, etc.), and enjoy creative outlets like knitting and very amateur painting.