Joli Robinson

“Being a Black woman who identifies on the LGBTQ+ spectrum has been my superpower,” says advocate Joli Robinson. “My identities have given me a passion for equity work and honest and authentic conversations about race so that we can work to move towards a more equitable, inclusive, and affirming world.” Robinson is the current CEO of Center on Halsted, the leading LGBTQ+ center in the Midwest dedicated to securing the health and well-being of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community. “The most rewarding part of my work has been service alongside and for the community,” says Robinson, who has two decades of leadership experience in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. “The sense of caring for others, sharing what we have, and ensuring that all folks who sit at the table can be fed, literally and figuratively, comes from my upbringing and roots.” Robinson previously served as president and CEO of Housing Forward, changing the narrative around housing and homelessness and advocating for racial equity. When the going gets tough, Robinson chooses joy and faith. “I definitely feel all the feels of setbacks and adversity and ensure I never restrict myself from feeling those emotions, but I also remind myself that this moment will pass,” she says. “I am also a firm believer in a higher power, so whenever those setbacks come my way, I know that there is also something for me to learn or gain from experiencing what can be a valley in my life.” –LE