Meet Trailblazer Jocelyn Robinson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jocelyn Robinson.

Jocelyn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I developed an interest in art at an early age. I remember being drawn to various artists and trying to emulate their work in the pieces I created. This attraction led me to unique opportunities that shaped my passion for art and community.

In 1996, the city of Atlanta provided innovative programs that gave young artists, such as myself, a platform to learn and express themselves through various art mediums.

These creative studios were led by local artists, who both exposed us to art appreciation and instructed us as we created art ourselves. This holistic approach to studying, seeing, and creating allowed me to better understand the importance of art and the impact it can have on individuals.

My continued passion led me on a creative pursuit to achieve a degree in Architecture and Interior Design. During my matriculation, I worked in the community to incorporate art to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the community. This was an exciting opportunity to learn more about the neighborhoods in Atlanta and truly helped me develop a love for my city.

Each day I proudly serve as both the Executive Director with Building on Faith and the Chief Innovation Officer with Cre8tive Heads. At heart, I am a Creative that thrives on Making A Difference! Much like the innovative programs that were awarded to me as a kid, I continue to look for opportunities to give back through innovative programs that help build strong communities.

Has it been a smooth road?
Lol, this is definitely a loaded question!

Ten years ago, I learned first hand about weathering adversity after being fired from a job that I absolutely loved. My prayer at that time was “God, every gift, every talent, and everything that you instilled in me is what I want to give back.” With a passion for architecture, design, and a mission in mind, I stepped out on Faith and started developing the concept of new ways to rebuild and revive older communities with donated material. From day one we have truly been Building on Faith!

Any time that you build something from the ground up, it takes a bit of persistence, patience, and a heap of perseverance. What was initially perceived as a failure turned into an opportunity and has allowed me to walk in my purpose. I think that most people think that challenge has a negative connotative when in reality a good challenge allows you further develop, enhance, and strengthen (prove) a solution. It took several iterations before we developed a viable program that would make the impact that we initially set out to make.

My advice is to identify your purpose and never lose focus on why you started. Often times you can get distracted with the everyday hustle and bustle and lose sight of the big picture. Also, never overlook the small wins. Sometimes you get so ingrained in reaching the end goal until you fail at celebrating the small victories. Small victories create big opportunities.

Keep showing up and putting your best foot forward, as you never know who’s watching. Even if you think you are going in the wrong direction, stop readjust, and keep going. Why? Because someone can always point you in the right direction.

Lastly, surround yourself with individuals who have failed, weathered adversity, and succeeded. The ability to align yourself with someone who can share how a test became a testimony is important, and it also lets you know that you’re human!

We’d love to hear more about Building on Faith.
Building on Faith is a nonprofit, organization whose mission is to REVIVE, REFRESH, and RENEW dated and weathered communities back to their vital state through innovative community redevelopment solutions and sustainable community service initiatives.

Our ability to offer a comprehensive community revitalization solutions that reach a wide variety of individuals makes us uniquely positioned to unify numerous sections of the public and reach the heart of each community. Our programs are designed to:

•REVIVE our communities by hosting quarterly beautification events such as mural installations that foster growth and enhance the quality of life through community.
•REFRESH and stabilize weathered residential communities affected by collaborating with neighborhood stabilization programs by offering cost and energy-efficient revitalization services to increase property values.
•RENEW businesses, institutions, and organizations in need of rebranding and renovating through innovative design solutions to enhance and strengthen the value of the community.

With the help of our fellow partners, we gather materials to reduce the cost of community renovations offering affordable design services to dated communities.

I think the most rewarding part of my job is having the opportunity to see designs come alive from concept to completion. I’m proud of the opportunities that we create for others. We pride ourselves on connecting businesses with individuals and creating paths of purpose for those who are making a difference.

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
I enjoy learning and meeting new people! I set goals to attend one professional event each month. I also try to volunteer once a month with an organization whose mission is aligned with what ours to connect with individuals that are also motivated to better our communities. I feel that building strong alliances and joining forces makes a greater impact.

I think that it is important to have a mentor, as their guidance adds value and direction. They personify many of the characteristics that I value and have established a foundation of excellence that I am similarly striving to achieve. Their counsel is instrumental throughout my personal and professional journey and is a positive encouragement to confirm that I am on the right path.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.buildingonfaith.org
• Phone: 4048952986
• Email: info@buildonfaith.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingonfaithinc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuildingOnFaith/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/buildonfaith

Image Credit:
Cre8tive Heads LLC | Creative Design Agency

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