Making Good Trouble
Activist, Advocate and the Drive for a
More Inclusive Democracy
The Story of Robin Leeds
Robin Leeds’ roughly four-decade career can best be described as an impassioned calling to support, protect, and expand American democracy. She has worked tirelessly to educate global audiences about the critical consequences of inequality and has moved the needle of social progress in a more just direction, strengthening and fortifying American democracy. She has advised presidential campaigns, led policy and strategic communications efforts for numerous corporations, and successfully directed several government and nonprofit initiatives.
Robin has spotlighted unknown, unresolved, and disregarded civil and human rights issues experienced by underrepresented constituencies—women, LGBTQIA+ people, communities of color, and workers. Some may call her a visionary, activist, people connector, communications strategist, coalition builder, political influencer, problem solver, and crisis navigator, but the greatest imprint she hopes her legacy leaves is one that has helped reform and strengthen American democracy. With an abundance of anecdotes, uphill battles, and hard-fought wins, Robin’s impact extends far beyond the length of a few paragraphs. However, several key moments defined by the intersectionality of Robin’s work help convey who she is and the expert and influencer she has become.
Insights & Endorsements
"When it comes to advancing a challenging public policy initiative, navigating politics and government, or providing strategic counsel in a crisis, there is no one better to lead the effort and have at your side.”
–Giancarlo Esposito, Emmy nominated actor
“As a member of the Harvard Women’s Leadership Board, Robin provided outstanding leadership, driving impactful initiatives locally and globally. Her strategic vision and commitment to empowering women have created lasting change at Harvard University and beyond.”
–Holly Taylor Sargent, state Representative (D-Maine), former Executive Director, Harvard’s Women’s Leadership Board
“Robin Leeds works in passionate and intuitive ways to strategically cultivate cultural allyship. Robin continues to be someone I call on when the occasion calls for determined advocacy to confront culturally complex issues.”
–Marc Bamuthi Joseph, Vice President and Artistic Director of Social Impact at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
"We would not have been able to accomplish this without Robin’s determined focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and her deep grasp of corporate social responsibility strategy and impressive bench of relationships."
–Jean Pierre Comte, President, Rana Meal Solutions
"Robin Leeds is the type of strategic thinker that complex organizations dealing with critical issues should engage. She understands how politics and 'Politics' work, and her advice is provided in a straightforward, inclusive and thoughtful manner.”
–Laura Liswood, Secretary General, Council of Women World Leaders
"Ms. Leeds is a valuable asset. She has a wealth of diverse relationships and expertise working across the federal agency landscape and with non-governmental organizations."
–Charles J. Ogletree, Jesse Climenko Professor of Law, Emeritus In Memoriam, Harvard Law School
Robin Leeds is quick to credit her high school history and social studies teachers for recognizing that her thirst for social justice was a unique trait compared to her adolescent peers. Robin’s appetite for absorbing and analyzing issues of equality and inclusion required a different kind of education. As a non-conformist teenager, Robin began advocating for progressive causes at home and consistently learning about global social justice movements. Engaging in teacher-led independent studies marked the start of her early journey in exploring the plight of and advocating for disenfranchised communities. Whether working with the Committee for a Free South Africa or empowering young women about their reproductive and sexual health with the Our Bodies Ourselves Collective, Robin's unwavering mission was to advocate for systemic change, enabling the voiceless to have a voice and the power to impact change.
Continuing her work to break down barriers to non-traditional work, Robin became one of the first 13 women EMTs in Massachusetts. She helped start a nonprofit ambulance service, Project Place, to serve the underserved communities of Boston and went on to organize healthcare workers into unions with SEIU and 1199.
As a steadfast champion for underrepresented Americans, Robin fought to raise awareness of how institutionalized racism impacted communities of color. When Willie Sanders faced alleged charges of rape and sexual assault, the Massachusetts house painter found himself in a case reminiscent of those brought against Black Americans for decades. Wrongly accused and determined to prove his innocence, Willie fought the legal system with Robin by his side. Devising a public awareness and community outreach campaign created a public outcry that turned news into action. As a seasoned communications strategist, Robin worked with Sanders' legal defense team to mobilize the community and the media, helping to clear the name of an innocent man and unveil deep biases within the Boston Police Department.
Robin’s early work to give voice to the voiceless continued with her fight at the ballot box. For Massachusetts workers, it was not only the choice between Bush and Dukakis for President but also the highly controversial Prevailing Wage ballot initiative to repeal the 74-year law that required close attention. Voters were invited to weigh in on whether building trades workers would maintain a protected, fair wage rate. Throughout the highly polarized fight, Robin built an unparalleled coalition with women, LGBTQIA+ members, and communities of color on behalf of the Massachusetts Building Trades. Connecting these constituencies to the Trades involved shifting a culture of discrimination in a new direction. Robin successfully conveyed the importance of uniting all workers around a commitment to creating opportunities for those persistently denied access to training and jobs in the trades. Winning the fight was not simply a political victory for Robin but a declaration that multi-cultural alliances can protect the representation of all workers.
Robin continued to define her role in politics as a visionary fighter for equality and justice, identifying how limited the opportunity pool was for underserved communities. Her journey to protect and expand democracy continued as Director of Massachusetts Human SERVE, where she educated potential voters on their crucial role. Nearly a decade later, she led the charge to create the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), signed into law by President Clinton. This act allowed Americans to register to vote at public service agencies when receiving benefits like AFDC, WIC, and Food Stamps, or applying for a driver’s license. The postal service was also required to mail voting documents to those who could not vote in person, enabling potential voters to maintain their voting status and have their voices heard. Although voting at such convenient locations may seem commonplace now, it was non-existent at the time, making it challenging for underserved populations to participate in elections. Robin revolutionized the system, providing more Americans the chance to speak up at the ballot box.
She pushed, pulled, and activated strategies to expand voting access. Decades later, Robin served as an advisor to the PBS documentary Electoral Dysfunction, sharing her early work as a voting rights advocate. She empowered unengaged voters with the tools and systems needed to voice critical concerns at the ballot box and beyond, ever-expanding full engagement in American democracy—a government for the people, by the people... all people.
During her tenure in the Clinton Administration, Robin led the first-ever interagency effort to implement the NVRA in public benefit programs like AFDC, WIC, and Food Stamps. While serving at the White House Office on Women’s Initiatives and Outreach, she coordinated domestic public policy and engagement efforts to advance the President's economic and social justice agenda for women and girls, including reproductive justice, family and medical leave, fair pay, and sexual harassment. Her tenacious spirit and unrelenting efforts contributed to the President’s Child Immunization Initiative, which increased the childhood immunization rate to 90%. Focused on empowering a strong national field operation, Robin developed a diverse grassroots coalition that successfully educated and mobilized communities to get vaccinated.
Adept at establishing private-public partnerships, Robin later led an effort to expand youth training and employment through the Youth Opportunity Movement at the Department of Labor. She not only inspired change but also broadened career opportunities for young workers by leveling the playing field. For Robin, Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s words resonate deeply: "The history of the past is but one long struggle upward to equality."
Robin’s relentless drive to uncover issues of gender injustice was laser-focused on the role of women in political decision-making as she continued to hone her role as a force for social change. During the 2004 presidential cycle, after serving as Presidential nominee John Kerry’s National Co-Chair for Women, Robin launched a national leadership academy for young women at the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. The academy was a collaboration with the National Council of Women’s Organizations, Lifetime Television, Lesley University, and Barnard College. This robust partnership empowered 500 prospective women leaders to gain a behind-the-scenes look at political conventions, presidential campaigns, and grassroots organizing strategies while building the skills and know-how to become leaders.
For Robin, the pursuit of a stronger democracy has relied on incorporating diverse opinions and shared knowledge. As a natural connector of people, Robin introduced this rising group of women leaders to campaign organizers on the ground, educating and inspiring new generations to help shape the future of politics and public policy.
Robin’s skill in working with, managing, and mentoring people at all levels earned her the nickname 'Border Crosser'—a title that honors her role as a bridge between labor and management, as well as other conflicting constituencies, to find common ground. As Robin’s work spanned both the public and private sectors, she was relied upon during corporate crises that threatened the reputations of large, global entities. Her willingness and fearlessness drove her to confront these crises head-on when others’ resolve might have quickly faded.
When the Italian pasta company Barilla faced incensed patrons and the threat of a worldwide boycott after its chairman voiced his disapproval of gay marriage in favor of the 'traditional' family image he sought to portray across its brand, the company needed guidance. For Robin, guiding companies through such crises is not a quest for profit but a mission to promote a deeper understanding of the need for inclusion and equity in the workplace. Robin focused on educating Barilla on the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and corporate social responsibility—an approach that could generate goodwill far beyond the bottom line. As a seasoned communications strategist, Robin devised a multi-point strategy that helped Barilla create a more culturally diverse leadership and advisory board, developed training on the importance and practice of inclusion in the workplace, and worked diligently to transform the company from a discriminatory entity into a role model for diversity. Robin’s greatest reward came when the Human Rights Campaign’s corporate equality index awarded Barilla the highest possible score.
Ever an advocate for change, Robin has not only supported significant causes but has also sought to highlight those within our communities who should be acknowledged for their empowering contributions. Robin’s work with the Obama administration provided her the opportunity to elevate the contributions of Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, founder of the Brazelton Touchpoints Center. As a groundbreaking expert in pediatric health and development, Dr. Brazelton’s Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) is a global tool used to evaluate newborns’ neurological states. With President Obama’s focus on expanding access to healthcare and educational opportunities for children from all socioeconomic backgrounds, Robin worked diligently with the White House and Congress to advocate for Dr. Brazelton’s nomination for the Presidential Citizens Medal. Dr. Brazelton, founder of the Brazelton Touchpoints Institute at Boston’s Children’s Hospital and author of 40 books on pediatric health and parenting, was awarded by President Obama at the age of 95. Robin’s commitment to social progress has led to deserving individuals being recognized for their contributions and has helped enlighten American citizens about the role these heroes play in strengthening our nation.
As a member of President Obama’s finance committee, Robin focused on raising the funds needed to win two successful presidential campaigns. She also contributed her expertise to the Biden-Harris campaigns, supporting their efforts to engage and mobilize voters. With her expertise in gender equity, Robin also served as a senior advisor on issues facing women and families, informing the campaign and administration on strategies to engage women voters and advance progress. By addressing unanswered questions, listening to critical struggles, and cultivating relationships of trust, Robin continued to educate women on the importance of voting and how their voices could drive positive change.
As Robin advanced her efforts to provide strategies for addressing challenging issues, she stepped in to find solutions when pharmaceutical giant Bayer faced market confusion, frustration, and backlash over its contraceptive device, Essure. Robin’s direction to engage stakeholders and understand how the device had negatively affected women’s health led to a crucial stream of information that helped Bayer correct its actions with consumers. Bayer not only ended the sale of Essure abroad but also ceased all sales in the United States as stories about its risks emerged. Robin’s advocacy for women’s health resulted in better information, more transparent data, and improved services from the medical office to the boardroom.
Robin continued her work to advance social change initiatives for President Biden as a member of the Biden Presidential Campaign Women’s Outreach and Policy Team. As the world grappled with the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, Robin quickly highlighted its effects on women and families and developed solutions to raise awareness among those who could mitigate its impact. “At the Table with Joe Biden” emerged from a blueprint Robin had created during the Clinton administration. She applied established strategies to help the President address the concerns of American women, including worries about nighttime safety, children's learning loss, and the health risks associated with working outside the home. Robin’s understanding of the importance of conversation was not merely a way to amplify voices but also a means to identify and shape policies that could address the challenges posed by the pandemic.
When politicians or lawmakers consider opportunities or possible solutions to navigate complex social issues, it is Robin’s series of historical wins that have set numerous precedents. Robin’s work for social change has been widely recognized and lauded. She was awarded by Black Women United as The Most Admired Person for her work advancing the mission of women of color, and by the Massachusetts Legislature for her Outstanding Commitment to Reforming Voter Registration Laws. A leading human and civil rights expert and advocate, Robin draws on the history of progress she has created and the painstaking challenges and setbacks she has faced to lend her expertise as a Fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government’s Center for Public Leadership, a member of AARP’s Women’s Leadership Council, the National Council of Jewish Women, and the Harvard Women’s Leadership Board, as well as a Scholar-in-Residence at the Women in Politics Institute at American University. Robin continues to be recognized with her most recent appointment as a member of President Biden’s Advisory Committee on the Arts.
As a breast cancer survivor, Robin turned her own personal health challenge into a broader mission to improve access to quality breast care for others. She played a leadership role on Georgetown Hospital’s Lombardi Center Community Advisory Board. As a founder of Breast Care for Washington, she helped create a community-based diagnostic and education program for underserved women. Additionally, Robin takes every opportunity to advocate for and navigate on behalf of survivors, ensuring comprehensive care and services.
It is the moments between the massive successes she has achieved that are just as profound. Robin has shared many truths absorbed through hardship. She has relied on these tough lessons to guide her work—not to mourn, but to organize; not to complain from the sidelines, but to jump in and find collective solutions; not to go it alone or be a one-woman show, but to cultivate and sustain long-term partnerships; not to seek personal power, but to empower others; and not to give in or give up in the face of challenges and setbacks. Sharing her experiences, thoughts, advice, and expertise with new audiences allows Robin to use her political history as her greatest teaching tool. She will continue to fight, protect, strengthen, empower, and defend American democracy, for her greatest joy in life is bringing together diverse communities to create sustainable social change—a resolution that has defined and will continue to define the life of Robin Leeds.
For the Common Good
The Drive for a More Inclusive Democracy
The Story of Robin Leeds
Robin Leeds’ roughly four-decade career can best be described as an impassioned calling to support, protect, and expand American democracy. She has worked tirelessly to educate global audiences about the critical consequences of inequality and has moved the needle of social progress in a more just direction, strengthening and fortifying American democracy. She has advised presidential campaigns, led policy and strategic communications efforts for numerous corporations, and successfully directed several government and nonprofit initiatives.
Robin has spotlighted unknown, unresolved, and disregarded civil and human rights issues experienced by underrepresented constituencies—women, LGBTQIA+ people, communities of color, and workers. Some may call her a visionary, activist, people connector, communications strategist, coalition builder, political influencer, problem solver, and crisis navigator, but the greatest imprint she hopes her legacy leaves is one that has helped reform and strengthen American democracy. With an abundance of anecdotes, uphill battles, and hard-fought wins, Robin’s impact extends far beyond the length of a few paragraphs. However, several key moments defined by the intersectionality of Robin’s work help convey who she is and the expert and influencer she has become.
Robin continued to define her role in politics as a visionary fighter for equality and justice, identifying how limited the opportunity pool was for underserved communities. Her journey to protect and expand democracy continued as Director of Massachusetts Human SERVE, where she educated potential voters on their crucial role. Nearly a decade later, she led the charge to create the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), signed into law by President Clinton. This act allowed Americans to register to vote at public service agencies when receiving benefits like AFDC, WIC, and Food Stamps, or applying for a driver’s license. The postal service was also required to mail voting documents to those who could not vote in person, enabling potential voters to maintain their voting status and have their voices heard. Although voting at such convenient locations may seem commonplace now, it was non-existent at the time, making it challenging for underserved populations to participate in elections. Robin revolutionized the system, providing more Americans the chance to speak up at the ballot box.
She pushed, pulled, and activated strategies to expand voting access. Decades later, Robin served as an advisor to the PBS documentary Electoral Dysfunction, sharing her early work as a voting rights advocate. She empowered unengaged voters with the tools and systems needed to voice critical concerns at the ballot box and beyond, ever-expanding full engagement in American democracy—a government for the people, by the people... all people.
During her tenure in the Clinton Administration, Robin led the first-ever interagency effort to implement the NVRA in public benefit programs like AFDC, WIC, and Food Stamps. While serving at the White House Office on Women’s Initiatives and Outreach, she coordinated domestic public policy and engagement efforts to advance the President's economic and social justice agenda for women and girls, including reproductive justice, family and medical leave, fair pay, and sexual harassment. Her tenacious spirit and unrelenting efforts contributed to the President’s Child Immunization Initiative, which increased the childhood immunization rate to 90%. Focused on empowering a strong national field operation, Robin developed a diverse grassroots coalition that successfully educated and mobilized communities to get vaccinated.
Adept at establishing private-public partnerships, Robin later led an effort to expand youth training and employment through the Youth Opportunity Movement at the Department of Labor. She not only inspired change but also broadened career opportunities for young workers by leveling the playing field. For Robin, Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s words resonate deeply: "The history of the past is but one long struggle upward to equality."
Robin’s relentless drive to uncover issues of gender injustice was laser-focused on the role of women in political decision-making as she continued to hone her role as a force for social change. During the 2004 presidential cycle, after serving as Presidential nominee John Kerry’s National Co-Chair for Women, Robin launched a national leadership academy for young women at the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. The academy was a collaboration with the National Council of Women’s Organizations, Lifetime Television, Lesley University, and Barnard College. This robust partnership empowered 500 prospective women leaders to gain a behind-the-scenes look at political conventions, presidential campaigns, and grassroots organizing strategies while building the skills and know-how to become leaders.
For Robin, the pursuit of a stronger democracy has relied on incorporating diverse opinions and shared knowledge. As a natural connector of people, Robin introduced this rising group of women leaders to campaign organizers on the ground, educating and inspiring new generations to help shape the future of politics and public policy.
Robin’s skill in working with, managing, and mentoring people at all levels earned her the nickname 'Border Crosser'—a title that honors her role as a bridge between labor and management, as well as other conflicting constituencies, to find common ground. As Robin’s work spanned both the public and private sectors, she was relied upon during corporate crises that threatened the reputations of large, global entities. Her willingness and fearlessness drove her to confront these crises head-on when others’ resolve might have quickly faded.
When the Italian pasta company Barilla faced incensed patrons and the threat of a worldwide boycott after its chairman voiced his disapproval of gay marriage in favor of the 'traditional' family image he sought to portray across its brand, the company needed guidance. For Robin, guiding companies through such crises is not a quest for profit but a mission to promote a deeper understanding of the need for inclusion and equity in the workplace. Robin focused on educating Barilla on the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and corporate social responsibility—an approach that could generate goodwill far beyond the bottom line. As a seasoned communications strategist, Robin devised a multi-point strategy that helped Barilla create a more culturally diverse leadership and advisory board, developed training on the importance and practice of inclusion in the workplace, and worked diligently to transform the company from a discriminatory entity into a role model for diversity. Robin’s greatest reward came when the Human Rights Campaign’s corporate equality index awarded Barilla the highest possible score.
Ever an advocate for change, Robin has not only supported significant causes but has also sought to highlight those within our communities who should be acknowledged for their empowering contributions. Robin’s work with the Obama administration provided her the opportunity to elevate the contributions of Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, founder of the Brazelton Touchpoints Center. As a groundbreaking expert in pediatric health and development, Dr. Brazelton’s Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) is a global tool used to evaluate newborns’ neurological states. With President Obama’s focus on expanding access to healthcare and educational opportunities for children from all socioeconomic backgrounds, Robin worked diligently with the White House and Congress to advocate for Dr. Brazelton’s nomination for the Presidential Citizens Medal. Dr. Brazelton, founder of the Brazelton Touchpoints Institute at Boston’s Children’s Hospital and author of 40 books on pediatric health and parenting, was awarded by President Obama at the age of 95. Robin’s commitment to social progress has led to deserving individuals being recognized for their contributions and has helped enlighten American citizens about the role these heroes play in strengthening our nation.
As a member of President Obama’s finance committee, Robin focused on raising the funds needed to win two successful presidential campaigns. She also contributed her expertise to the Biden-Harris campaigns, supporting their efforts to engage and mobilize voters. With her expertise in gender equity, Robin also served as a senior advisor on issues facing women and families, informing the campaign and administration on strategies to engage women voters and advance progress. By addressing unanswered questions, listening to critical struggles, and cultivating relationships of trust, Robin continued to educate women on the importance of voting and how their voices could drive positive change.
As Robin advanced her efforts to provide strategies for addressing challenging issues, she stepped in to find solutions when pharmaceutical giant Bayer faced market confusion, frustration, and backlash over its contraceptive device, Essure. Robin’s direction to engage stakeholders and understand how the device had negatively affected women’s health led to a crucial stream of information that helped Bayer correct its actions with consumers. Bayer not only ended the sale of Essure abroad but also ceased all sales in the United States as stories about its risks emerged. Robin’s advocacy for women’s health resulted in better information, more transparent data, and improved services from the medical office to the boardroom.
Robin continued her work to advance social change initiatives for President Biden as a member of the Biden Presidential Campaign Women’s Outreach and Policy Team. As the world grappled with the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, Robin quickly highlighted its effects on women and families and developed solutions to raise awareness among those who could mitigate its impact. “At the Table with Joe Biden” emerged from a blueprint Robin had created during the Clinton administration. She applied established strategies to help the President address the concerns of American women, including worries about nighttime safety, children's learning loss, and the health risks associated with working outside the home. Robin’s understanding of the importance of conversation was not merely a way to amplify voices but also a means to identify and shape policies that could address the challenges posed by the pandemic.
When politicians or lawmakers consider opportunities or possible solutions to navigate complex social issues, it is Robin’s series of historical wins that have set numerous precedents. Robin’s work for social change has been widely recognized and lauded. She was awarded by Black Women United as The Most Admired Person for her work advancing the mission of women of color, and by the Massachusetts Legislature for her Outstanding Commitment to Reforming Voter Registration Laws. A leading human and civil rights expert and advocate, Robin draws on the history of progress she has created and the painstaking challenges and setbacks she has faced to lend her expertise as a Fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government’s Center for Public Leadership, a member of AARP’s Women’s Leadership Council, the National Council of Jewish Women, and the Harvard Women’s Leadership Board, as well as a Scholar-in-Residence at the Women in Politics Institute at American University. Robin continues to be recognized with her most recent appointment as a member of President Biden’s Advisory Committee on the Arts.
As a breast cancer survivor, Robin turned her own personal health challenge into a broader mission to improve access to quality breast care for others. She played a leadership role on Georgetown Hospital’s Lombardi Center Community Advisory Board. As a founder of Breast Care for Washington, she helped create a community-based diagnostic and education program for underserved women. Additionally, Robin takes every opportunity to advocate for and navigate on behalf of survivors, ensuring comprehensive care and services.
It is the moments between the massive successes she has achieved that are just as profound. Robin has shared many truths absorbed through hardship. She has relied on these tough lessons to guide her work—not to mourn, but to organize; not to complain from the sidelines, but to jump in and find collective solutions; not to go it alone or be a one-woman show, but to cultivate and sustain long-term partnerships; not to seek personal power, but to empower others; and not to give in or give up in the face of challenges and setbacks. Sharing her experiences, thoughts, advice, and expertise with new audiences allows Robin to use her political history as her greatest teaching tool. She will continue to fight, protect, strengthen, empower, and defend American democracy, for her greatest joy in life is bringing together diverse communities to create sustainable social change—a resolution that has defined and will continue to define the life of Robin Leeds.
Robin Leeds is quick to credit her high school history and social studies teachers for recognizing that her thirst for social justice was a unique trait compared to her adolescent peers. Robin’s appetite for absorbing and analyzing issues of equality and inclusion required a different kind of education. As a non-conformist teenager, Robin began advocating for progressive causes at home and consistently learning about global social justice movements. Engaging in teacher-led independent studies marked the start of her early journey in exploring the plight of and advocating for disenfranchised communities. Whether working with the Committee for a Free South Africa or empowering young women about their reproductive and sexual health with the Our Bodies Ourselves Collective, Robin's unwavering mission was to advocate for systemic change, enabling the voiceless to have a voice and the power to impact change.
Continuing her work to break down barriers to non-traditional work, Robin became one of the first 13 women EMTs in Massachusetts. She helped start a nonprofit ambulance service, Project Place, to serve the underserved communities of Boston and went on to organize healthcare workers into unions with SEIU and 1199.
As a steadfast champion for underrepresented Americans, Robin fought to raise awareness of how institutionalized racism impacted communities of color. When Willie Sanders faced alleged charges of rape and sexual assault, the Massachusetts house painter found himself in a case reminiscent of those brought against Black Americans for decades. Wrongly accused and determined to prove his innocence, Willie fought the legal system with Robin by his side. Devising a public awareness and community outreach campaign created a public outcry that turned news into action. As a seasoned communications strategist, Robin worked with Sanders' legal defense team to mobilize the community and the media, helping to clear the name of an innocent man and unveil deep biases within the Boston Police Department.
Robin’s early work to give voice to the voiceless continued with her fight at the ballot box. For Massachusetts workers, it was not only the choice between Bush and Dukakis for President but also the highly controversial Prevailing Wage ballot initiative to repeal the 74-year law that required close attention. Voters were invited to weigh in on whether building trades workers would maintain a protected, fair wage rate. Throughout the highly polarized fight, Robin built an unparalleled coalition with women, LGBTQIA+ members, and communities of color on behalf of the Massachusetts Building Trades. Connecting these constituencies to the Trades involved shifting a culture of discrimination in a new direction. Robin successfully conveyed the importance of uniting all workers around a commitment to creating opportunities for those persistently denied access to training and jobs in the trades. Winning the fight was not simply a political victory for Robin but a declaration that multi-cultural alliances can protect the representation of all workers.
Insights & Endorsements
"When it comes to advancing a challenging public policy initiative, navigating politics and government, or providing strategic counsel in a crisis, there is no one better to lead the effort and have at your side.”
–Giancarlo Esposito, Emmy nominated actor
“As a member of the Harvard Women’s Leadership Board, Robin provided outstanding leadership, driving impactful initiatives locally and globally. Her strategic vision and commitment to empowering women have created lasting change at Harvard University and beyond.”
–Holly Taylor Sargent, state Representative (D-Maine), former Executive Director, Harvard’s Women’s Leadership Board
“Robin Leeds works in passionate and intuitive ways to strategically cultivate cultural allyship. Robin continues to be someone I call on when the occasion calls for determined advocacy to confront culturally complex issues.”
–Marc Bamuthi Joseph, Vice President and Artistic Director of Social Impact at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
"We would not have been able to accomplish this without Robin’s determined focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and her deep grasp of corporate social responsibility strategy and impressive bench of relationships."
–Jean Pierre Comte, President, Rana Meal Solutions
"Robin Leeds is the type of strategic thinker that complex organizations dealing with critical issues should engage. She understands how politics and 'Politics' work, and her advice is provided in a straightforward, inclusive and thoughtful manner.”
–Laura Liswood, Secretary General, Council of Women World Leaders
"Ms. Leeds is a valuable asset. She has a wealth of diverse relationships and expertise working across the federal agency landscape and with non-governmental organizations."
–Charles J. Ogletree, Jesse Climenko Professor of Law, Emeritus In Memoriam, Harvard Law School
Making Good Trouble
Activist, Advocate and the Drive for a
More Inclusive Democracy
The Story of Robin Leeds
Robin Leeds’ roughly four-decade career can best be described as an impassioned calling to support, protect, and expand American democracy. She has worked tirelessly to educate global audiences about the critical consequences of inequality and has moved the needle of social progress in a more just direction, strengthening and fortifying American democracy. She has advised presidential campaigns, led policy and strategic communications efforts for numerous corporations, and successfully directed several government and nonprofit initiatives.
Robin has spotlighted unknown, unresolved, and disregarded civil and human rights issues experienced by underrepresented constituencies—women, LGBTQIA+ people, communities of color, and workers. Some may call her a visionary, activist, people connector, communications strategist, coalition builder, political influencer, problem solver, and crisis navigator, but the greatest imprint she hopes her legacy leaves is one that has helped reform and strengthen American democracy. With an abundance of anecdotes, uphill battles, and hard-fought wins, Robin’s impact extends far beyond the length of a few paragraphs. However, several key moments defined by the intersectionality of Robin’s work help convey who she is and the expert and influencer she has become.
Making Good Trouble
Activist, Advocate and the Drive for a
More Inclusive Democracy
The Story of Robin Leeds
Robin Leeds’ roughly four-decade career can best be described as an impassioned calling to support, protect, and expand American democracy. She has worked tirelessly to educate global audiences about the critical consequences of inequality and has moved the needle of social progress in a more just direction, strengthening and fortifying American democracy. She has advised presidential campaigns, led policy and strategic communications efforts for numerous corporations, and successfully directed several government and nonprofit initiatives.
Robin has spotlighted unknown, unresolved, and disregarded civil and human rights issues experienced by underrepresented constituencies—women, LGBTQIA+ people, communities of color, and workers. Some may call her a visionary, activist, people connector, communications strategist, coalition builder, political influencer, problem solver, and crisis navigator, but the greatest imprint she hopes her legacy leaves is one that has helped reform and strengthen American democracy. With an abundance of anecdotes, uphill battles, and hard-fought wins, Robin’s impact extends far beyond the length of a few paragraphs. However, several key moments defined by the intersectionality of Robin’s work help convey who she is and the expert and influencer she has become.
Insights & Endorsements
"When it comes to advancing a challenging public policy initiative, navigating politics and government, or providing strategic counsel in a crisis, there is no one better to lead the effort and have at your side.”
–Giancarlo Esposito, Emmy nominated actor
“As a member of the Harvard Women’s Leadership Board, Robin provided outstanding leadership, driving impactful initiatives locally and globally. Her strategic vision and commitment to empowering women have created lasting change at Harvard University and beyond.”
–Holly Taylor Sargent, state Representative (D-Maine), former Executive Director, Harvard’s Women’s Leadership Board
“Robin Leeds works in passionate and intuitive ways to strategically cultivate cultural allyship. Robin continues to be someone I call on when the occasion calls for determined advocacy to confront culturally complex issues.”
–Marc Bamuthi Joseph, Vice President and Artistic Director of Social Impact at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
"We would not have been able to accomplish this without Robin’s determined focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and her deep grasp of corporate social responsibility strategy and impressive bench of relationships."
–Jean Pierre Comte, President, Rana Meal Solutions
"Robin Leeds is the type of strategic thinker that complex organizations dealing with critical issues should engage. She understands how politics and 'Politics' work, and her advice is provided in a straightforward, inclusive and thoughtful manner.”
–Laura Liswood, Secretary General, Council of Women World Leaders
"Ms. Leeds is a valuable asset. She has a wealth of diverse relationships and expertise working across the federal agency landscape and with non-governmental organizations."
–Charles J. Ogletree, Jesse Climenko Professor of Law, Emeritus In Memoriam, Harvard Law School