As a child, Robyn Petersman enjoyed storytelling, creative writing and putting her imagination into words.
She was also an astute child, aware that her family moved frequently and turned to Cincinnati-area non-profits to survive difficult times and challenges.
Those talents and influences crystallized and gelled over the years into her role since 2023 as Grants & Foundations Manager at St. Vincent de Paul – Cincinnati, and as an Impact 100 board member and communications chair, where she handles social media and supports web content.
“My family struggled a bit when I was growing up, so the idea now of being able to help others when they’re in a tough spot is important to me,” says the 30-year-old resident of Madisonville. “I realized early on in my career that in order for me to be interested in my work and get it done, I have to be invested in it.”
Education & careers in communications
Her education and career path encompass both communications and philanthropy. She graduated from the School for Creative and Performing Arts and its creative writing program, followed by a 2016 degree in communications from Xavier University, where she served as a student ambassador and web content intern.
Post-college positions included two years with Public Allies, an Americorps program dedicated to community-building and diverse leadership. There, she served as a community engagement specialist with the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, bringing scouting programs to underserved schools – even leading several troops (with school staff support) and serving as “cookie mom” during the annual cookie season.
“That’s where I developed my skills for writing for social media, websites, blogs and public relations,” she says. This experience led to a position as PR specialist for Talbert House in 2020.
“While I was at Talbert House, it became apparent to me that in order to do good work as a nonprofit, you have to raise money for it, so my entry into development and fund-raising was grant writing.”
She joined Impact 100’s young philanthropist program in 2022 and became a member in 2023.
“Contribute a little…make a big impact”
“I never really thought of myself as a philanthropist,” she acknowledges. “Before Impact 100, my idea of philanthropy was millionaires, billionaires and fancy galas. But what really interested me about Impact 100 was the idea that ordinary people can be a part of big things. You can contribute a little and still make a big impact.
“I trust that my dollars are supporting important initiatives, because my fellow members are skilled and know what they’re doing,” she adds. “They embrace the necessary due diligence to make sure our funds are supporting good causes.”
Recently married to a high school classmate with whom she reconnected in college, Robyn enjoys playing board games, movies, travel, and social time with friends. And she remains committed to a career that gives a voice to nonprofits and fund-raising initiatives.
“Public Allies influenced me a lot, and it really made me want to get involved in my community and build it up,” she says. “After traveling around to different places, I realized that Cincinnati is a really cool place, and I’m lucky to have been born here.
