By Kathy Gaillard
Sharon Robinson recently retired from the City of Milwaukee as Director of Administration. Still not weary from this journey we call life, she plans to continue doing what she believes is her life’s calling—serving!
“I think serving is in my blood. Even as a young girl, I had the heart of a public servant and wanted to make an impact in people’s lives. My grandmother had patients from the Veterans Administration who were boarders in her home. I always had a desire to go above and beyond to ensure their rooms were clean. And later, when I first arrived in Washington, DC, I wasn’t that well versed on some of the political issues like apartheid. As I learned more about it, my moral conscious was awakened and I was compelled to march outside the South African Embassy,” said Robinson.
Even while working on Capitol Hill, Robinson volunteered during the early years of the AIDS epidemic. She would decline fancy Capitol Hill social engagements to serve with a program called Food for Friends, where she performed housekeeping duties and dropped off meals to people who were in the final stages of AIDS.
“It was so soul fueling. For several years, I volunteered with this organization, at a time when others were afraid to do so,” said Robinson.
Born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan, Robinson graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. Prepared to pursue a career in public relations, she listened instead to a higher calling.
“God called me to public service. I initially envisioned myself working in marketing or public relations. God has navigated this path for me and it’s (public service) in my heart. An internship with a Michigan Congressman ultimately led him to offer me a position in Washington, DC working as his receptionist,” said Robinson.
One day the Congressman was in a bind and needed talking points so Robinson offered to write them. She did such a good job that he took her off the front desk and promoted her, first as a legislative correspondent, then as legislative director.
Shortly after Tom Barrett was elected to Congress, he hired Robinson to be his legislative director because of her good reputation on Capitol Hill. She later became his Chief of Staff. When Barrett decided to return to Milwaukee, Robinson remained in DC, working in the international arena and at the William Davidson Institute with former US Secretary of State Madelaine Albright.
After receiving a call from Barrett’s transition team with an offer to become the administration director, Robinson accepted the challenge and moved to Milwaukee.
“I don’t believe it was a coincidence that God put me on a path where He fulfilled my desire to serve. Working with the City of Milwaukee for 18 years was a blessing. Looking back at my career, I feel honored that I was able to help shape quality of life initiatives and develop transformational procedures to help government run more smoothly,” said Robinson
One of the initiatives that Robinson is most proud of is the “I Have a Dream Foundation” which gives low-income children the opportunity to earn a college degree. The initiative provides free tuition, tutoring, mentoring and support services. Started in 2007 at Clarke Street Elementary School, Robinson has witnessed dozens of students earn college degrees because of this program.
“The philosophy behind the program is that every child is worthy to attend college, regardless of the sometimes tremendous socio-economic barriers they face,” said Robinson.
Since retiring, Robinson’s focus is on faith-based service and following “steps God has ordered for me.”
“I love the city. I still see myself playing a role in shaping quality of life initiatives. My biggest advice to people is to get to know God—whatever your faith is—and build relationships centered on love and equality. I challenge people to go outside their own homes and families and look for opportunities to serve the broader community. If more people do that, just think how great we could make Milwaukee,” said Robinson.
Sharon Robinson is a diamond in our community and we celebrate her legacy of faith and service.