About Us: Our Team

Robin Barnes

Director of Development, USA

As the Director of Development, USA, Robin builds bridges between compassion and action in collaboration with the individuals and organisations who fuel EMpower’s impact.

Having resided in Vietnam, Turkey, Serbia, Morocco and the USA, Robin’s lived experience in emerging market economies has amplified her passionate commitment to global gender equity and economic empowerment.

Through a career dedicated to charitable causes, Robin has helped mission-driven organisations to improve their operational efficiencies, grow their fundraising capacity, tell their stories, and develop more effective teams and partnerships. Prior to joining EMpower, Robin worked in cancer patient advocacy as the Interim Executive Director for Patient Empowerment Network, and helmed senior-level fundraising and marketing roles for cultural organisations including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Fringe Festival, and Philadelphia Theatre Company.

Always eager to gather and share knowledge, in 2023, she completed an Executive MBA among a cohort of 30+ nationalities with IE University in Spain and received the rare distinction of a Double Blue Torch Award for outstanding citizenry and academic achievement. Additionally, Robin holds a B.S. in Marketing from the Rutgers University School of Business and a Masters Certificate in Nonprofit Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.

Her interests include behavioral science, the sharing and circular economies, gender equity, and economic inclusion. In her free time she enjoys learning new things with her friends and family, and creative expression through photography, pottery-making, travel, and cooking.

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