Lorry I. Lokey Graduate School of Business at Mills College

Sharon Robinson entered the world 64 years ago, changing life around her. She was the first and only daughter born to Willie and Ruby Robinson, the 8th of their nine children. They beheld a feisty, energetic spirit able to hold her own in a houseful of boys, yet knit the atmosphere with powerful femininity. Sharon soon proved she was a leader, one determined to make a difference. In her youth, she changed her diet to spare animals, becoming a vegetarian and ultimately a vega...n in her adulthood. A passionate thinker, she began her education at Cal State Northridge. Soon after, she married and moved to the Bay Area, seeking new adventures. There, she became an avid skier, biker, boater, and marathon runner. Later, she met her partner, Rahman Batin, with whom she continued exploring the world. Professionally, Sharon impacted change in the Bay Area community. She was an entrepreneur who ran several businesses, including B.T.V Custom Coffee Service, and she worked in the public sector for EASTBAY WORKS/Oakland Private Industry Council, The San Francisco Foundation, the West Oakland Community Collaborative, The United Way of the Bay Area, University of California, and the City of Oakland, where she helped establish improvement policies and programs for youth, those in need, and the wider community as a whole. Her heart was in education equity, so in 2012, she enrolled in Mills College, after being accepted into their BA/MPP Accelerated Master’s Degree Program, to complete her educational goals and further her impact. Two years later, she earned a Bachelors of Arts in Public Policy, culminating the following year with a Masters in Public Policy. She loved knowledge. She loved the colors purple and orange. She loved vibrant orchids. She loved her African drumming groups and the spiritual connection, and most importantly, she loved her family and friends to the core. For many years, she was integral in organizing the annual family reunions which brought family and friends together from the many places they called home. She touched the lives of countless people, investing herself into others with quality time and attention in a way that left those in her company feeling unique and valued. Sharon ran for many causes, with her toughest race being her last against colon cancer. She crossed the finish line on December 24, 2020 in San Leandro, leaving behind an indelible legacy of remarkable will-power, fortitude, compassion, and faith in God. She’s survived by her brothers, Jimmie, Leon, Sam, Michael, and Steven, Sr., her sisters-in-law, a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends near and far. A virtual Celebration of Life for Sharon will be held Sunday, January 17, 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor can be made to the cancer research or treatment center of your choice or sent to the family, care of Heather Gaskins PO Box 1146 San Pedro, CA 90733.

Happy New Year to all the friends of the Lokey School. We can all use some good news and something to look forward to in 2021. We are happy to announce that Tracy Yarlott-Davis (from our first MPP class) is heading East to become our second MPP grad appointed as a town manager. Trivia question: name our first MPP alum to manage a town on the East Coast. First person to correctly identify the alum gets an MPP program sweatshirt.

The Lokey School is proud to announce that our Spring Public Policy workshops are open to public. If you are interested in learning more about California Politics and Policy from our Legislator in Residence Rob Bonta or about Housing Policy from Scott Hugo and Andrew Lah, join our community and reserve your spot. If you know people who would benefit from these classes but need scholarships, contact us for a discount code.

Gentle Reminder: BlackRock Career Info Session is tomorrow. RSVP is required. See you there.