By: Pam Perry
While millions know Shaun Robinson as an Emmy Award-winning journalist, television host, producer, and familiar face on some of television’s most popular programs, her proudest role may be one that happens far from the spotlight.
This year, Robinson is celebrating a major milestone: 10 years of impact through the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls, the nonprofit organization she founded to empower underserved and underrepresented girls and young women across America.
For a decade, the Detroit native has leveraged her platform, influence, and passion to create opportunities for girls who need them most. Through grants, mentorship, leadership development, and partnerships, the foundation has become a powerful force for change, supporting initiatives focused on STEM, health, arts, unity, and neighborhoods.
The milestone is especially meaningful for Robinson, whose own journey was shaped by seeing someone who looked like her on television.
Growing up in Detroit, she remembers being captivated by local news anchor Beverly Payne.
“She was the first Black woman I saw on television who had skin like mine,” Robinson recalls. “I never met her, but she inspired me to become a journalist.”
That inspiration launched a remarkable career that would eventually include 16 years as host of Access Hollywood, reporting for NBC News, MSNBC, CNN, and Today, hosting major awards show coverage, producing television projects, and becoming the host and executive producer of TLC’s global hit franchise 90 Day Fiancé: The Couples Tell All.
Yet throughout her success, Robinson never forgot a lesson taught by her parents and grandparents.
“If God gives you a platform, use it to give back.”
That belief became the foundation for the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls.
Over the past decade, the organization has awarded more than $250,000 in grants and donations to nonprofits serving girls and young women. Robinson has also created SHE Leads, a first-of-its-kind national conference that brings together women leaders from girl-centered nonprofit organizations to collaborate, learn, and strengthen their impact.
Her commitment to empowering girls has earned national recognition and reflects a lifelong dedication to helping young women develop confidence, leadership skills, and self-esteem.
As an author, Robinson tackled the issue head-on in her book, Exactly As I Am: Celebrated Women Share Candid Advice with Today’s Girls on What It Takes to Believe in Yourself. The book sparked conversations around self-worth and inspired girls across the country to embrace their unique gifts and potential.
Today, as she celebrates the foundation’s 10th anniversary, Robinson remains focused on the future.
“Our foundation has given more than $250,000 to organizations empowering girls and young women,” she says. “My goal is to quadruple that impact in the years ahead.”
That vision reflects Robinson’s belief that meaningful change happens when successful people invest in the next generation.
For many celebrities, philanthropy is an addition to their brand. For Robinson, it is an extension of her purpose.
Whether she is interviewing Hollywood stars, producing television projects, advocating for girls, or leading philanthropic initiatives, her mission remains the same: create opportunities, inspire confidence, and help young women see possibilities beyond their circumstances.
Ten years after launching the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls, Robinson’s influence extends far beyond television screens. It lives in the lives of girls who have received scholarships, mentorship, resources, and encouragement because one woman chose to use her platform to make a difference.
As she celebrates this milestone anniversary, Robinson continues to prove that true success is not simply about what you achieve. It is about who you help along the way.
To learn more about the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls, support its mission, or make a donation, visit shaunfoundationforgirls.org.
Follow Shaun Robinson:
Instagram: @MsShaunRobinson
Facebook: Shaun Robinson
LinkedIn: @MsShaunRobinson
Celebrating 10 Years. Changing Lives. Empowering the Next Generation.
