We were lucky to catch up with Kimberly Robinson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kimberly, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Imagine a room full of suits—gray, navy, tailored—where the air is thick with polished professionalism and unspoken expectations. At the center stands a woman who doesn’t quite blend in, but stands out—not just in appearance, but in purpose. That woman is me. Being the only one in the room who looks like me has never been easy, but I’ve learned that comfort was never the goal—impact was. From boardrooms to classrooms, I’ve walked into spaces as the outlier: a woman, a single mother, a survivor, a leader. At first, I questioned whether I belonged. I overprepared, overdelivered, and tried to prove myself at every turn. But in time, I discovered that my unique journey was not a weakness—it was a strength. I learned that silence doesn’t protect you—your voice does. I let my work speak when I was underestimated, and I made space when I was overlooked. I no longer aim to blend in—I walk into rooms ready to build, lead, and uplift. Being the only one taught me how to stand tall in who I am, lead from my truth, and light the path for others. Because sometimes, being the only one means you’re the first—but never the last.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I wear many hats—nurse, nonprofit founder, business owner, mother, and mentor—but at the heart of it all, I am a woman committed to creating healing and leadership opportunities for others. As a registered nurse, I’ve witnessed firsthand the resilience of the human spirit. My experiences in urgent care, palliative care, and community health have deeply shaped the way I lead, serve, and connect with people. Nursing taught me how to listen, how to advocate, and how to act with both compassion and confidence—skills I now apply in every aspect of my work.
I’m the founder of A Voice for Every Woman, a nonprofit organization that empowers women overcoming adversity by providing leadership training, resume building, confidence workshops, and mentorship. We’ve supported over 5,000 women in reclaiming their voice and stepping into their purpose.
I also own Skin Aesthetics and Laser, a medical spa where I blend science and artistry to help clients feel confident in their own skin. What makes my work truly special is how these worlds connect—my role as a nurse grounds everything I do in care, healing, and service.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding both sides of my mission. We’re launching a new Healthy Confidence initiative that merges skincare education with mental wellness support for women in shelters and recovery programs. I’m also preparing for a statewide tour of free empowerment workshops to reach even more women across Oregon.
Whether I’m in scrubs, behind a mic, or consulting a client in the spa, my goal remains the same: to help others recognize their worth, own voice and rise.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, authentic leadership, and the ability to connect with others through empathy.
Resilience has been my anchor. Life didn’t hand me a perfect path—I was raised in adversity, became a single mother, and had to unlearn survival mode to step into leadership. Resilience taught me to keep going, even when the odds were stacked against me. For those just starting out, know that challenges will come, but your response to them will shape your legacy. Build resilience by surrounding yourself with mentors, practicing self-reflection, and never letting failure define you.
Authentic leadership was something I had to grow into. At first, I thought I had to become someone else to lead—but I’ve learned that the most powerful leaders are the ones who lead from their truth. Whether I’m mentoring women in my nonprofit or managing my med spa team, being real, transparent, and values-driven has helped me inspire trust and collaboration. My advice? Stay grounded in your “why” and don’t be afraid to lead differently. The right people will follow your authenticity.
Lastly, empathy and connection have been the heart of my nursing career and everything I do. Whether caring for patients, helping women rebuild their lives, or supporting a client’s skincare journey, the ability to deeply listen and connect has opened more doors than any resume ever could. If you’re early in your journey, focus on people—not just outcomes. Learn to hear what’s not being said, and you’ll have a lasting impact wherever you go.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes, I’m always looking to collaborate with purpose-driven individuals and organizations who are passionate about empowering others, especially women overcoming adversity. Whether you’re a fellow nurse, nonprofit leader, mental health advocate, wellness provider, or entrepreneur—if your mission aligns with healing, leadership, and personal growth, I’d love to connect.
I’m currently expanding A Voice for Every Woman across Oregon and beyond, and I’m seeking collaborators for community events, leadership workshops, wellness initiatives, and resource-sharing for women in shelters or recovery. I also welcome partnerships with beauty, health, and education professionals who want to pour into the lives of women ready to rise.
If you’re reading this and feel called to be part of this mission, please reach out! You can connect with me through my website, Instagram (@avoiceforeverywoman), or email at healthgoalspdx@gmail.com Let’s build something powerful—together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Skinaestheticsandlaser.com
- Instagram: @officalskinqueen
- Other: @a_voice_for_every_woman
Avoiceforeverywomen.com
Image Credits
@kellymooneyphotography
https://linktr.ee/kellymooneyphotography?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=1e7f18a4-f967-4275-848e-5fdff000688c
jjeanportraits.com
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