Senior Research Director, The DeBruce Foundation
Robin joined The DeBruce Foundation in 2014 as a Founding Director of their innovation collaborative in Washington, D.C. She relocated to the Kansas City area in 2017 when The DeBruce Foundation consolidated all operations in Kansas City in order to launch the emerging strategic mission and related programs. Prior to joining DeBruce, Robin spent 25 years at the Urban Institute in Washington, D.C. evaluating local, federal, and international programs particularly those related to fair housing, community building, and economic development. She helped launch the Urban Institute’s Program on Neighborhoods and Youth Development to better understand the relationship between where a person lives and where they end up in life. She extends this work at DeBruce as The Foundation seeks to expand pathways to economic growth and opportunity.
Robin has a Master of Public Administration degree from George Mason University. She is the author of multiple reports on the effectiveness of specific policies and programs along with papers on research methods and program management. With a heart for young people and education, Robin served on a local private school board and committees in Arlington, Virginia.
Robin is married to D.J. Smith and they reside in Overland Park, KS. They have two teen daughters and a sassy kitten. She currently dreams of future travel destinations beyond her living room.