Cyndy Yu-Robinson: Sixth-Degree Black Belt & Nonprofit Executive Director

Cyndy Yu-Robinson is the Executive Director of the Kramden Institute. Her core values are accountability, inclusion, and sustainability. Cyndy is a 2007 Regional Program graduate.

“A Servant leader is one who is willing to innovate and change. I always strive to listen first.”

What was the primary impact of the Regional program on your life?
The Regional program empowered me to take a leap and work in a sustainable business. I started networking and letting people know that I was looking for a change, and I left Federal service at USEPA for an adventure in private sector at Lenovo and AECOM.

Did you make any meaningful connections during or after the program?
I stated in my application and recognized on my first day with the Regional Program that Leadership Triangle is for movers and shakers. I am honored to have been in a class with Leslie Walden (Fidelity then and now), Loretta Arnold-Harper (Capitol Broadcasting), Steven Pearson (IBM), and many others.

How do you show up as a leader in your organization?
A Servant leader is one who is willing to innovate and change. I always strive to listen first.

How do you feel you make an impact in the community?
I connect people who care about issues and other people and share the story of the public good. Right now, that public good is focusing on digital inclusion.

If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Charlotte’s Web is magical. The Culture Map by Erin Meyer is dense and needs re-reading.

What is one fun fact about yourself?
I am a sixth-degree black belt in Shotokan karate and have served as one of three national coaches for the AAU USA Karate team since 2021. My favorite class to teach is Women’s Self-Defense.