Rising Stars: Meet Robin Humphrey of Kansas City Mo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robin Humphrey

Hi ROBIN, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When my father passed away from COVID-19, it profoundly changed my life. In the wake of his loss, I felt a deep desire to honor his legacy and carry forward the dreams we had shared. One of those dreams was his encouragement for me to get involved with the Washington Wheatley Neighborhood Association. That simple suggestion set me on an unexpected path of community leadership.

I began by attending meetings and soon found myself graduating as a neighborhood leader through UMKC’s Center for Neighborhoods cohort 9. Not long after, I received my first grant to repair stairs for our residents, which opened the door to securing several more grants. Eventually, I was selected as a fellow with the Center for Neighborhoods, where I was challenged to create neighborhood initiative.

As I immersed myself in the needs of my community, I couldn’t ignore the stark reality. Washington Wheatley, like many inner-city neighborhoods across the U.S., has a median income of just $30,000. Many families live in poverty, and for children, the consequences are severe. Studies show that children who grow up in poverty are 50% more likely to remain in poverty as adults. The cycle of poverty perpetuates blight, poor housing conditions, and limited opportunities, generation after generation.

I realized that the key to breaking this cycle was to reach children early. If we can inspire kids to dream big, explore careers, and gain practical skills in their formative years, we can offer them a way out of the cycle of poverty. That’s how the “Meet the Workerbeez” children’s series was born. Designed for children from pre-K to 5th grade, the series introduces workforce skills through the lovable Workerbeez characters.

The ultimate goal is to transform neighborhoods by cultivating future residents who are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to secure gainful employment, maintain their homes, and reduce the blight and other challenges that have long plagued inner-city communities.

Through Meet the Workerbeez, I hope to create lasting change—starting with the youngest members of our communities and building toward a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I officially launched Meet the Workerbeez on March 26, 2024, and my biggest challenge has been navigating this new space as an author. This wasn’t the business I initially set out to build, but it has become the most rewarding journey I’ve ever undertaken. Every day, I’m challenged to learn something new—whether it’s understanding the publishing world, finding my place in it, or discovering how to best share my message.

At the same time, I’m balancing multiple roles: being a parent, a neighborhood leader, and a full-time employee. Juggling all these responsibilities while giving my all to Meet the Workerbeez can be overwhelming, but it’s also incredibly fulfilling. Despite the challenges, I’m motivated by the impact this work can have on children and communities, and I’m committed to showing up every day to make that difference.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a resident leader deeply committed to my community. I’m actively engaged with residents, addressing challenges, resolving issues, and selflessly caring for others. My involvement wasn’t driven by the desire for a title but by a genuine concern for the well-being of my neighborhood and its people. What sets me apart is my focus on creating real solutions for problems that many have become desensitized to.

I’ve chosen to reinvest in the 3rd district, the community where I’ve lived my entire life. Unlike others who may leave when they see issues, I stayed because I wanted to be the change I wished to see. I’m most proud of my work to uplift this community, creating opportunities and inspiring others to dream of a brighter future. Whether it’s through my leadership, my work with Meet the Workerbeez, or simply being there for my neighbors, my mission is to create lasting, meaningful change.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The COVID-19 crisis taught me just how resilient we are as individuals and as a community. It showed me that even in the face of immense loss and uncertainty, we have the strength to persevere. One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is that pain, while difficult, often gives birth to beauty. It pushes us to grow, to adapt, and to find new ways to thrive. For me, that beauty emerged in the form of Meet the Workerbeez—a project born from loss but fueled by hope, resilience, and the desire to create a brighter future for the next generation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://meettheworkerbeez.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meettheworkerbeez/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557077154431
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/Meet-Workerbeez-Robin-Humphrey/dp/B0CYZX2LLY