British A. Robinson is a true changemaker and influencer with a passion for solving some of the world’s most intractable problems. Since beginning her career in private banking and retail operations at Citibank, she has gone on to lead transformative nonprofit and government initiatives around the globe. Robinson brings a unique, dynamic combination of strategic vision, financial acumen, empathy, on-the-ground experience, energy, and laser focus on execution to her work.
A mission-driven executive, seasoned diplomat, and development finance leader with expertise in blended finance, impact investing, and capital mobilization, she has spearheaded large-scale, innovative Presidential initiatives to drive economic growth and improve public health through public-private partnerships, corporate social responsibility initiatives, government relations, advocacy, and policy.
Of all the causes Robinson has had the privilege of championing, she considers the opportunity to improve lives and livelihoods in Africa her greatest passion. To that end, she has spent decades cultivating innovative partnerships that create jobs, support businesses, and establish life-saving systems and infrastructure, bolstering economic prosperity and health outcomes across the continent.
Most recently, Robinson was appointed by the Biden administration to lead Prosper Africa, a Presidential- level national security initiative to advance the ability of African countries to drive their own economic
growth and strengthen economic ties between the U.S. and the continent. In this role, she collaborated closely with the White House, reported to the National Security Council, and coordinated 17 participating U.S. federal agencies to forge true partnerships with businesses, investors, and government leaders to tackle pressing economic growth priorities including energy transition, fintech, health tech, and ag tech, as well as supported the early entrepreneur/startup/small business ecosystem in Africa. During her tenure, Prosper Africa drove more than $62B in trade and investment deals, fostering opportunities that connect vibrant African markets with U.S. businesses.
Robinson’s diplomatic service also includes her tenure at the U.S. Department of State as the Deputy Coordinator/Director of Private Sector Engagement for the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) under President George W. Bush. Additionally, during her time at the State Department, she held a special assignment as Director and Special Advisor to Secretary Clinton’s Office of Global Women’s Issues, where she led health and education partnerships, during the Obama administration.
She has also leveraged her strong vision and execution capabilities as the top executive at some of the nation’s leading nonprofits dedicated to addressing critical challenges including HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular disease, cancer, refugee issues, and low literacy. As the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, she reimagined the organization’s mission and strategy to position it for long-term sustainability and impact. As Founding CEO of the Women’s Heart Alliance, she launched a unique collaboration between the Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center at Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute and Weill Cornell Medical Center. In these roles, she managed multi-million-dollar budgets, spearheaded fundraising efforts, and created unique awareness and marketing campaigns. Her extensive nonprofit leadership experience also includes service in senior positions at Women for Women International, Susan G. Komen, the U.S. Jesuit Conference, and Jesuit Refugee Services. In 2022, Robinson’s visionary leadership and track record of aligning diverse stakeholders earned her recognition on Forbes’ 50 Over 50 for Impact, underscoring her status as an influential changemaker.
Robinson holds a master’s degree in government from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in public policy and business administration from George Washington University, and has received honorary doctorate degrees from American University and Fairfield University. She serves as a Senior Advisor for Concordia; on the boards of the Women’s Foreign Policy Group, Jesuit Refugee Service/USA, and Leadership Roundtable; and on the advisory board of Arlington Partners International.
