By Michelle Brown
WEST PALM BEACH, FLA.– The West Palm Beach Police Athletic League (PAL) has welcomed Katrina Long-Robinson as the new Chair of its Board of Directors. Long-Robinson comes to PAL with a long resume of civic-oriented roles and a family tie to the nonprofit organization. Her father-in-law and former West Palm Beach City Commissioner, the Honorable Isaac “Ike” Robinson, played a critical part in helping PAL secure its headquarters in downtown West Palm Beach.
“My perspective and personal convictions made this role a good fit for me. My vision for PAL aligns with my core values– community engagement, civic activism, and youth empowerment. It is my hope that we can work collectively to prevent juvenile crime through civic and educational opportunities,” said Long-Robinson. “Our Board and I wish to achieve our shared vision by engaging community members, fostering a strong bond with our police force and working to meet the needs of youth in the surrounding areas of PAL.”
Appointed to the City of Westlake City Council in 2016, Long-Robinson became the city’s first African American female Vice Mayor. She has worked with Minto Development to facilitate the development of an affordable housing assistance program for future homeowners with a focus on teachers, police officers, fire rescue workers, state attorneys and public defenders. She has also been the driving force on getting city ordinances implemented which involve diversity, collaboration, and inclusion.
As a curriculum resource teacher with Charter Schools USA, Long-Robinson was responsible for assisting school administrators and teachers in understanding curricular programs, Florida Content Standards, and accredited best classroom practices. While working for Charter Schools USA, she was nominated for Educator of the Year and implemented several literacy and teacher incentive programs. Her other educational experience includes being a Quest observer with Charter Schools USA in Palm Beach and Broward counties and a Palm Beach County aftercare director and educator.
“In my life, I’ve learned that the price of greatness is responsibility. In that light, I realize my rent to society is my service. I try to embrace the charge to serve others through my work as a leader in education, in the community and in local government,” she said. “My passion for youth to succeed is grounded and embedded in the fabric of my DNA. Coming from a family of educators, community workers and advocates for children, I am an avid believer that education is the great equalizer. I’m excited to embark on a new journey with a diverse Board ready and willing to serve children and our community.”
Long-Robinson is also founder of the Douglas G. Robinson Perseverance Pancreatic Cancer & Empowerment Foundation, and CEO and Founder of KLR Consultants. Currently, she serves as a Board Member for Seagull Services, Suits for Seniors, Inc., Women’s Foundation of Florida Elected Official Advisory Board, Vice-Chair of Palm Beach County’s Homeless Advisory Board, Palm Beach County Caucus of Black Elected Officials, Inc., Inner City Youth, ICY, Getting There, Inc. and Healthy, Mothers/Healthy Babies. She is a member of Forum Club of the Palm Beaches, Leadership Florida Education Class 6, and an alum of Florida A&M University.
