Linda Robinson
Linda Robinson is an award-winning community leader, nonprofit professional, and advocate whose career has been defined by service, volunteerism, and empowering others throughout the St. Louis region. With decades of experience spanning nonprofit leadership, financial services, volunteer management, and community engagement, she has built a reputation as a connector who brings people, organizations, and resources together to create meaningful impact. Currently working with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - ALSAC, Linda helps raise awareness and local fundraising support for the hospital’s mission while continuing her lifelong commitment to strengthening communities through service and advocacy.
Linda’s professional journey combines corporate leadership experience with a deep passion for nonprofit work. After spending nearly three decades in financial services, including leadership roles at Wells Fargo Advisors
and A.G. Edwards, she transitioned fully into the nonprofit sector following graduate studies in human resources development and nonprofit leadership at Webster University. She went on to serve as Director of Volunteer Recruitment for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri, where she specialized in building partnerships and mobilizing volunteers, before later becoming Director of the Save Our Sisters Program at the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. Across every role, she has focused on leadership development, volunteer engagement, policy creation, fundraising, and creating opportunities that empower individuals and communities to thrive.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Linda is widely respected for her advocacy work surrounding women’s empowerment, mental health awareness, and suicide prevention, particularly within Black and Brown communities. A longtime volunteer and co-founder of St. Louis Finest Volunteers, she has dedicated more than 30 years to supporting nonprofits, civic organizations, and community initiatives through volunteer coordination, mentorship, and event leadership. Guided by faith, authenticity, and a desire to uplift others, Linda believes in using one’s time, talents, and treasures to leave a lasting impact. Whether mentoring emerging leaders, connecting women to valuable networks and resources, or advocating for greater mental health support, she remains deeply committed to helping individuals recognize their potential and pursue lives of purpose and service.
• Certification in volunteer management through United Way of St. Louis
• Sales Strategy: Building Relationships to Successfully Sell
• Leveraging Your Relationship Capital
• Relational Databases Essential Training
• Family Support Group Faciliator for NAMI STL
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Member of ForbesBLK
• Lindenwood University Bachelor of Science in Communication w/emphasis on Public Relations
• Webster University Masters of Arts Human Resource Development
• Webster University Master of Arts Nonprofit Leadership
• Bayer YMCA 40 for 40 MLK Servant Leader Award
• National Coalition of 100 Black Women Advocacy Award
• Iota Phi Lambda Sorority Inc Emerald Award
• NAMI STL Support Group Leader of the Year Award
• CAASTLC Volunteer of the Year Award
• JADAS Warriors Overcoming Obstacles Award
• National Coalition of Negro Women
• Young Voices with Action MLK Good Samaritan Award
• Deltra Hudson Game Changer Community Empowerment Award
• Resolution from St. Louis City Alderman
• Delux Magazine Power 100 Award
• Delux Magazine Women Who Inspires Award
• Hipanic Chambers of Commerce
• St. Louis Finest Volunteers
• HATZ 4 HEARTS FOUNDATION
• President of Webster University Alumni Board of Directors
• St. Louis County Human Rights Commission
• Maplewood Civil Service Commission
• Maplewood Board of Adjustment and Housing Boards of Appeal
• NAMI STL
• AFSP MO
• The Empowerment Network
• IHeart Sista Strut STL
• Pujols Foundation
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being a purpose-driven leader who is rooted in faith, impact, and authenticity. I attribute my success to resiliency, emotional intelligence, and the ability to lead with both strength and compassion. My passion has always been created around people, community impact, and creating a meaningful change that aligns with purpose, not just performance. I believe true success is found in staying grounded in my values, protecting my peace, honoring my boundaries, and remaining committed to work that leaves a lasting impact on the lives of others.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Here are a few pieces of career advice I have ever received:
A few of my friends, Meredith Anderson and Andrea Jackson, encouraged me to go to college and pursue my bachelor's degree.
If I wanted to grow and climb the corporate ladder, I would need to show my worth and capabilities. Also, so many people told me to stop chasing positions that only look good on paper and start pursuing a career that truly aligns with my purpose, values, and passion, that will make an impact in the community. Titles come and go, but fulfillment, peace, and meaningful leadership matter more than being successful in the eyes of others.
My greatest strength is not just what I can accomplish professionally, but how I lead people, serve communities, build authentic relationships, and stay grounded in who I am while doing it.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
To young women entering into any industry or workforce, I would tell them to never underestimate the power of their voice, presence, or authenticity. Continue to pour knowledge, opportunities, and networks back into other women because success becomes even more meaningful when we uplift and empower each other along the way. Diversify your network, remain open to learning from different perspectives, and build genuine relationships rooted in respect and purpose. Most of all, never feel pressured to shrink, change, or compromise who you are to fit into a space. Your authenticity, integrity, and confidence will always be your greatest strength.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I continue to navigate in my field is learning how to remain fully authentic in spaces that often reward conformity over individuality. There have been moments where I've felt the pressure to tone myself down, adjust who I am, or fit into an environment that did not align with my values, leadership style, or spirit. As I've grown professionally and personally, I've realized that success means very little if I constantly feel disconnected from myself while achieving it.
I've also learned to trust my instincts when a space no longer feels aligned with who I am becoming. Sometimes the greatest challenge is not whether I'm capable enough to belong in the room, but whether the room is truly meant for me. Moving forward, I want to continue building a career and purpose-driven path where authenticity, peace, and impact can coexist without compromise.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
At the core of both my personal and professional life are the values that continue to keep me grounded, purposeful, and aligned with who I truly am. My faith is the foundation of everything I do; it guides my decisions, strengthens my discernment, and reminds me to lead with integrity, compassion, and purpose. I am deeply passionate about community impact and engagement because I believe real leadership is about serving others, creating meaningful change, and leaving spaces better than I found them.
Authenticity is equally important to me; I never want to lose myself trying to fit into environments that require me to compromise my values, my voice, or my spirit. I believe in empowering others, especially women and underserved communities, by creating opportunities, sharing knowledge, and helping people recognize their worth and potential.
Advocacy also holds a special place in my heart because I know the importance of using my voice to uplift, support, and stand for what is right.
Above all, my family remains my greatest source of strength, love, and motivation. They are the reason I continue striving to build a life and legacy rooted in purpose, peace, and impact.
Locations
ALSAC St. Jude
St. Louis, MO 63143