Zakiya Robinson, a graduate of Bethel University, is a first-generation Barbadian American. Passionate about creating nuanced opportunities for Black and Brown communities, they previously served as the Director of Policy and Programs for the NYC Unity Project—NYC’s policy and programming office dedicated to supporting LGBTQ New Yorkers. In this role, Zakiya worked to connect community and government to create pathways towards equity for LGBTQ folx.
Their most recent work has included promoting the health and safety needs for sex workers, launching Unity Works, the country’s largest and most comprehensive workforce development program ever created for LGBTQIA communities, and spearheading a mutual aid fund for TGNCNB New Yorkers.
Throughout their career, Zakiya has intentionally worked to connect vulnerable communities to resources and designed impactful programs that facilitate lasting communal change. Serving as an organizer and program developer, she is passionate about bringing the folx doing the work on the ground to the table to advocate for themselves--employing the philosophy that folx most impacted by policies should be at the table as primary decision makers. In their spare time, Zakiya facilitates a community tax clinic providing low-income communities with access to free financial literacy and tax prep. Zakiya is a native New Yorker, aspiring master chef, and lover of all things Queer and Black.
