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Robin Stimson, MSW, joined the CA team in March 2022 as the first ever Community Engagement Manager for the organization. Robin works directly with the President’s Office to define priorities around community engagement and create meaningful connections.

“I’m thrilled to be part of an organization that is committed to improving engagement throughout Columbia,” Robin said. “This is a community built with intention, and CA has a role in convening people of all backgrounds and experiences to ensure we’re continuing to enhance the lives of everyone here.”

A career in caring, connection and Columbia

Prior to joining CA, Robin received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore where she learned the importance of meeting people where they are. Throughout her professional career, Robin served as a client advocate and a vital connection to community supports and systems. 

Additionally, Robin established essential interventions and grassroots advocacy that positively impacted communities at various local, state and national levels. Specifically, she brings over ten years of experience working with individuals and families, including those impacted by trauma and grief. By prioritizing the tenets of DE&I and trauma-informed care, she has been able to cultivate essential resources for those in need, which include effective and cutting-edge educational workshops, multimedia content, tailored peer support and connections and innovative workplace change initiatives. Robin credits her social work background as key in her ability to advocate for, educate and facilitate healing. 

From 2016 through 2021, Robin was appointed to be on the Victim Services Advisory Board (VSAB) for the Montgomery County, MD, Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program (VASAP). In 2019, she was selected as one of nine Mother Against Drunk Driving (MADD) victim specialists in the Country to serve on their National Victim Services Advisory Board. 

Robin has also worked with the Community Action Council (CAC) based in Columbia and was essential in creating Energy and Housing assistance programs accessible at the Howard County Food Bank, an institution that continues to serve people in need here in our community.

When she’s not on the clock, Robin enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, gardening, listening to live music and creating art. 

Why community engagement?

Rooted in her experience in social work and community support, Robin is excited to take on this new challenge with CA. She is primarily focused on creating opportunities for two-way conversations with stakeholders and cultivating valuable relationships with strategic partners in order to optimize CA’s impact.

“I work every day to make sure we are partnering with organizations that believe in our mission of enhancing the quality of life for everyone in Columbia. That also means connecting with you – our community – in meaningful ways, strategically showing up where it counts and collecting feedback that can make a difference. Together, we are stronger.”

Engage with Robin – and CA!

If you are part of an organization that would like to work with CA or have ideas of how CA can more effectively engage our diverse community, reach out to Robin at Robin.Stimson@columbiaassociation.org. 

You can also come out to our Change in Columbia Speaker Series starting Tuesday, July 26 at Slayton House. That interactive session and panel discussion will focus on the evolution of Columbia’s built environment, the balance between development and preservation and the value you can bring to the decision-making process.