Notable Black Leader in Maryland
Nykidra Robinson, CEO & Director,
Article by: Alexis Lee, MHHD Spring 2017 Intern
Nykidra Robinson has been described as a visionary and motivator to all she meets. With a heart for people and a passion to change the world, she has been pushing women of color to use their vast influence at the polls.(1) Robinson is a Baltimore native and the CEO and Director of Black Girls Vote. The mission of her nonpartisan, nonprofit organization is to "inspire women of color to use the political process to improve the quality of life for their families and the collective community." (2)
She started the organization October 2015, a few months after the unrest of April 2015. (3) Although some characterized the rioting and protesting youths involved as violent, Robinson says she saw something different: She saw passion. She saw resilience. Robinson saw displaced anger and energy, and she says she wanted to find an avenue to create something positive.(4)
Robinson started Black Girls Vote with a singular goal - to register voters. (5) Setting up voter registration sites in nail shops, grocery stores and even high schools, Black Girls Vote has reached a substantial number of women. Within its first year, the organization advocated at Baltimore's African American Festival, the Beyoncé's "Formation" tour
, the Women of the World Festival and the 2016 national conventions of the Democratic and Republican parties. (6)
A graduate of Frostburg State University with a bachelor's degree in business (7), Robinson has consistently gravitated toward leadership roles. As a college student, she was active in multiple student organizations -- ranging from serving in the Student Government Association to holding a board membership of on Campus Activities, she honed her abilities to adapt and to succeed.
Through voter education and information regarding education, economic development and enabling women to gain quality health care, Robinson has been able to empower women of color across the country. Through one simple mission, she has sparked important conversations and has helped people find their voices.
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