Gwen L. Robinson, who served as the president and CEO of the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency (CAA) for 23 years, passed away Monday at the age of 78.
The CAA, in an Instagram post, said Robinson was a “true champion” for the community, who “dedicated her life to ensuring residents live in a community where everyone is equipped with the tools and resources to be self-sufficient.”
“Under her leadership, countless individuals and families found support, hope, and opportunities to thrive,” the post reads. “Her impact will never be forgotten, and her passion for service continues to inspire us all. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and the many lives she touched.”
Robinson joined the organization in 1995. It strives to lift individuals and families out of poverty through services such as job training and housing assistance.
She served the organization for over two decades before officially retiring in 2018.
Her awards and honors included:
- Cincinnati Herald Nefertiti Award
- 2010 Profile in Courage
- YWCA Career Women of Achievement
- Ladies of Distinction 2007 Honoree
- NAACP 2006 Wright Overstreet Award
- Radio One Women Empowerment Award
- Dada Rafiki Award
In addition to her work at CAA, Robinson served as vice chair on the Metro Board of Trustees. She was appointed by the City of Cincinnati in 2012.
According to Metro’s website, she was also the first African American president of the Cincinnatus Association, a civic group whose mission is “to initiate, recognize, participate in, and promote projects that improve the quality of life for all citizens in the Greater Cincinnati region.”
The CAA’s current president and CEO Mark B. Lawson said it’s hard to imagine a world without Robinson.
“She was a force,” Lawson said. “She was a visionary leader who cared passionately for her community and spent her career working to make things better for those struggling. We miss her.”
Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval called her a “fighter of injustice” and “champion for equity.”
“Thank you for everything you gave, and for the inspiration you leave behind,” the mayor wrote on Facebook.
No one can deny that Ms. Robinson has paved the way as a true leader would. Even before stepping foot into that old warehouse 23 years ago, service to humanity was already imbedded in her. She knew that it took a village to build character. Knowing this, she accepted the challenge of rebuilding the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency and she began to build a village, right here in Cincinnati.
Joan Proffitt, finance director for the Agency, took this journey with Ms. Robinson 23 years ago. “It has truly been a pleasure to work under Ms. Robinson’s leadership,” said Proffitt. “When I think of where the Agency was and what the Agency has become, it is a testament to the great leadership that the Agency has had with Ms. Robinson.”
When asked about her next venture, Ms. Robinson said, “The decision to transition to my next endeavor is one that I made with careful thought and consideration. As many of you know, CAA is my heart. I came here 23 years ago excited about the opportunity to lead a large organization. I can leave knowing that I have accomplished and gained more than I expected.”
A memorial will be held at Corinthian Baptist Church, 1920 Tennessee Ave., in Bond Hill on Sunday, March 23. The family greeting begins at 12:30 p.m., with a celebration of life at 2 p.m.