Even though she attended a private Catholic girl’s school, Robbie managed to find her way to the public welfare system as an unwed Mom at the age 18.  Once she was told that she must report any gifts that exceeded $5.00 (might have been 10.00), including a much needed used iron, she started her hunt for a job.

Welfare was just one side-track to life; Robbie was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 22 years old.  She has undergone numerous surgeries, 15 to be exact.  Today, Robbie is a 35 year breast cancer survivor. 

Her journey brought numerous challenges but with a high school diploma, she managed to work her way through various organizations until she found a "home" at her present company, Sea-Land Services, Inc., now known as CSX Lines. 

Affirmative Action played a roll in her career growth and development.  Robbie recognized the fact that, without an education, she would continue to be passed over; she finally returned to school.  It took 10 years for Robbie to complete her undergraduate studies; once she had that piece of paper in her hand, she immediately begun classes at Barry University and now holds a Masters in Human Resources Development and Administration. 

Robbie has spent the past 28 years in the ocean transportation business; the majority of her career has been as a successful sales person. She is currently the Sales Training Consultant for CSXL organization which gives her the opportunity to share her sales knowledge and expertise with her colleagues.  She is also the founding editor of C Chatter, a newsletter for the sales professional. 

Robbie, now 57, believes that giving back is key to self-fulfillment.  She is currently a member of:

Robbie has stated that her role as a founding member and president of Women and Welfare and the group’s current focus of building a nationwide mentoring organization is the biggest challenge she has faced to date.