Create & Cultivate 100: Philanthropy: Shaun Robinson

DOIN' IT FOR THE GIRLS. 

 

TV host and self-proclaimed “Motown Gal” Shaun Robinson is on a mission to make the world a better place for girls and women.

The Emmy Award winning journalist and Access Hollywood vet has hosted pre-shows for the Golden Globes and Academy Awards, yet being a positive role model has always been her principal goal. With her emonymous nonprofit, The S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls, Robinson has made it her life’s work to supports grassroots charities making advancements in five key areas of girls issues: (S)TEM, (H)EALTH, (A)RTS, (U)NITY and (N)EIGHBORHOODS.

Find out how the fervent philanthropist is working to reduce the inequities girls’ face.

Name: Shaun Robinson

Instagram Handle: @msshaunrobinson

Where do your drive and passion come from?

My drive and passion, in part, comes from my mom and dad. They encouraged me to work hard and never forget where I cam from. They taught me that I could achieve anything I put my mind to.

Philanthropy means the "love of humanity." It's so beautiful and simple. What does it mean to you?

Philanthropy means using your power to help make the lives of other people better. We all have that gift. We were put here to be a beacon of light for those in need.

How did you find yourself on this particular career journey?

I was inspired when I was a little girl. I use to watch a woman named Beverly Payne anchor the news in Detroit when I was about 6-years-old. She was the first African American woman that I ever saw on TV. She was my first TV role model.

What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?

Sometimes, it's not as glamorous as you might think!

What about your career makes you feel the most complete?

I am proud to say that I was raised by a mother who taught me that I was complete all by myself...no matter what my job was, what my relationship status was or how I look. I always do my best when I work but, it is not what completes me.

"I was raised by a mother who taught me that I was complete all by myself."

Tweet this.

If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?

The President of the United States. 'Nuff said.

At what point in your life did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?

I am someone who likes to keep growing and take on new challenges. I felt so empowered after I left my job of 16 years at Access Hollywood. I felt it was a new chapter that allowed me to take control of my life.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?

I love swimmer Diana Nyad's motto..."Never, ever give up!". Those are very powerful words that I live by every day. You only need one "yes" so keep trying until you get it.

When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road?

When I encounter any type of roadblock, I pray about it. I sit in silence and ask God for direction. I always get clarity when I do that.

What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?

If I have had a bad day, the last thing I want to do is hear myself sing! lol.

Photo Credit: @davisfactor

Hair & Makeup: @SmashboxCosmetics @TheGlamApp @TheOuai

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