By Andrew Skerritt
Florida A&M University First Lady Sharon Robinson was among the 2024 Pinnacle Award recipients during a ceremony celebrating Women’s History Month in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, on March 4.
The award ceremony celebrated 13 exceptional women each year, recognizing their commitment to high standards and community betterment in Northwest Florida.
“We’re thrilled for our 10th year celebration. Each year, we honor approximately 10 to 13 different women. What’s particularly exciting this year is the active involvement of FAMU’s First Lady,” said the event director McKenzie Burleigh.
Robinson is the clinical coordinator at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare.
“Some first ladies have an office and a whole staff,” Robinson told 850 Magazine. “I wear green scrubs.”
Her journey to this recognition is rooted in a childhood shaped by resilience and determination. Raised on a Memphis farm by her grandfather while her mother worked in the city’s hospital, Robinson learned the value of hard work and perseverance early on. Encouraged by strong, educated black women, she embraced success and empowerment, which she now passes on to her three daughters.
“It’s amazing, but it’s also surreal,” Robinson told 850 Magazine. “I keep seeing that picture of myself as a child at my grandparents’ house. I come from such humble beginnings.”
Each recipient had to be nominated. Robinson was nominated by Assistant Vice President of Alumni Affairs/University Advancement Carmen Cummings, who emphasized the significance of Robinson’s recognition. “It serves as a testament to the vital role women play in shaping our communities and driving positive change.”
“The legendary Maya Angelou once said that her ‘mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.’ That’s a description of our First Lady, Mrs. Robinson,” said Cummings.