October Youth Champion Award: Marion L. Robinson

Each month The Real MCCOY will be shining a spotlight on hard working Youth Development Professionals and the great work they and their organizations do. This month’s interview is with Lillian Davis Foundation, Inc.’s Executive Director, Marion L. Robinson. Founded in 2007, Lillian Davis Foundation, Inc. continues the legacy of Mrs. Lillian M. Davis by working to make school services available for elementary students both in and out of school, and improving the quality of education for children. The Lillian Davis Foundation, Inc. is working to create a neighborhood for children and families that will provide educational opportunities, safety, and economic growth. Check out the interview below to learn more about Ms. Marion L. Robinson and the organization:

1)      Why did you want to go into this line of work?

The Lillian Davis Foundation is a foundation that is named after my mother. My brother and I founded the organization because youth work was important to my mother. We chose it because it fit with our mother’s legacy.

2)      What was your first day on the job like?

My first day on the job was the day we launched the organization and it was full of excitement and the opportunity of those who expressed desires to support the community, and expressed the desire to support us.

3)      What is most rewarding about your job?

Personally, giving back. It is very rewarding to continue what my parents instilled in me by giving back to the community and being a part of that effort.

4)      What is the most challenging part of your job?

As a small organization, it’s always the fundraising. It is challenging when you have to work on volunteer support laborers. The most challenging part is to move from volunteer to hire staff.

5)      How has MCCOY helped your organization succeeded or grow?

MCCOY has helped me in many ways. As executive director I’ve been given many opportunities for leadership development because of access to workshops. These workshops have kept me current with best practices and current with other organizations. MCCOY has helped us institute summer programming and training for youth workers in summer programs and leadership programs.

6)      Where do you see yourself and your organization in five years?

My prayer and hope is that we will still be providing services to the community. I hope that our community partner relationships will grow; that we’re making a collective impact with youth with developing skills, and preparing them for life. I would like to see how the youth we’ve touched have developed and see how the work has paid off.

We’d like to thank Ms Robinson for taking the time to answer our questions. For more information about Lillian Davis Foundation, Inc. check out their website: http://lilliandavisfndn.org/.