Retha Robinson
Director, Koshland Program
Why do you do what you do? What drew you to the foundation?
For the past three decades, I have been working with grassroot leaders, primarily in community building efforts throughout the foundation’s five-county service area. Before working with the Koshland Program, I felt a strong affinity to the central values of the program and watched it take shape at the foundation. I was drawn to working with community leaders and their direct engagement within the neighborhoods.
How would you describe your role?
I understand my role as director only goes as deep as my roots in the community. I was born and raised in San Francisco and am motivated by my memories of growing up on a block where neighbors looked out for one another. I want to reinvigorate that sense of community in the Koshland program’s neighborhoods. It is my responsibility to ensure that the leaders I work with have access to opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Are you involved in any volunteer work?
I am a member of the Association of Black Foundation Executives, Neighborhood Funders Group, and an advisory board member of the Bay Area Women and Children’s Resource Center.