Robin S. Thorne’s fearlessness to not only redefine what a woman 50+ should do but also what a women traditionally does is admirable. From her success, there are many lessons to be learned. As a single mother, she was determined to make a better life for her and her son. She put herself through college majoring in Engineering at the Community College of Philadelphia. She went on to earn a Chemical Engineering degree from Drexel University College of Engineering. After beginning her career in chemical engineering in Pennsylvania, she took a leap of faith moving to California to embark upon a career in the environmental, health and safety industry. She spent the next 10 years increasing her knowledge base and advancing in her career. In 2009, Robin established CTI Environmental, Inc. (CTI), an engineering and specialized construction firm. CTI has grown into an industry leading corporation with no signs of slowing down.

Robin has a passion for people and giving back. During her studies at Drexel University, she led her peers in conducting science experiments for her son’s class. For many students, this was their first time seeing a woman of color so connected to science. She established a scholarship in her son’s name at the Community College of Philadelphia to aide graduating students that majored in technology and who are transferring to four-year universities. Her passion is helping women understand that they can do and be whatever they choose. She’s a global philanthropist facilitating workshops and seminars for women from America to South Africa. In 2019, Robin founded DemoChicks, a non-profit organization that empowers young women to become involved in nontraditional careers such as, construction, engineering, and demolition.

Robin has received numerous accolades over the years and is most proud of her induction into the Drexel University College of Engineering’s Circle of Distinction. Robin feels truly blessed that she has been able to accomplish so many things in her life and plans to continue looking for opportunities to grow, improve and serve others in her community.

robin thorne

COFFEE ENTREPRENEUR 

Texas entrepreneur and coffee-guru Desiree Crawford says, “Love the woman in the mirror. Pour into her! Practice grace and peace. Our strength has been passed on from the women who came before us. It's our turn now.”

Her custom mobile coffee bar, established in 2021, is named The Pourbox, but this coffee cantina has nothing to do with poverty. Her caffeinated mantra: “You can’t pour from an empty cup, take care of yourself.” She adds, “I have found a great cup of coffee is a global practice that no matter where you are in the world…coffee alone or with company connotes a culture of warmth. There is so much community and conversation around a cup of coffee, people meet, socialize, study, begin work or just work in coffeehouses and cafés, on porches and at a water’s edge, at dawn on a forest campsite. For me, a cup of coffee reminds me daily to pour into myself as I do others.”

Her luscious waving locks, glowing skin and powerful features are the result of noble ancestry: “I identify ethnically and culturally as Black and a Latina...or Afro-Latina. I am a Black Seminole, the daughter of Guillermina Emma Crawford, and Williard Crawford. My mom is a direct descendant of Medal of Honor recipient / winner Isaac Payne, Black Seminole Indian Scout. I am truly blessed and proud to have my mother here. She is the matriarch of our family and was born in Nacimiento de los Negros in Coah, Mexico. Also known as Mascogos.”
What does she love about life right now? “Seeing my own growth as a mother, a grandmother, a daughter, a sister, a friend...beginning to recognize and affirm my value to others and appreciate my journey, as who I am today, and the influence of my beautiful mother. Seeing those values for family, and love and faith reflected in the women my daughters have become.”

desiree crawford

Virginia visionary Marcia “Pooch” Paige founded www.melanin-rx.com to address a common request: we all want to be treated by medical professionals who look like us, and understand where we’re coming from culturally. Given the inexcusable disparities in American medical care with which Black people must contend, Miss Marcia’s groundbreaking gambit is right on time. Providing cultural intelligence as part of medical care is the first essential step to closing the racial gap. And not only does the site facilitate access to medical professionals of color and their services-- there’s also the helpful Daily Dose Blog which answers so many of our health questions! 
We caught recently up with “Pooch,” born under the sign of Libra, and she set us straight on several things. She describes her passion this way: “To connect people to someone they need to know or experience. That is my zone of genius.” Her message to Black women everywhere: “You are absolutely enough in whatever space you are presently in. OWN IT AND TAKE UP SPACE!”
What she values most today, she says, are time and relationships. The last time she had a falling out with a friend was because… “We didn’t value our friendship enough to be totally honest and transparent about what the real issues were. I no longer have time/patience/space/energy for convincing others who I am. I no longer babysit others’ insecurities they have to work out within themselves. Something I've given up, because of my age, are people who no longer serve or feed me emotionally or spiritually. Peace has a bigger price tag than I realize.” The most important human quality in her world: “Grace, it encourages non-judgment, strength to forgive but not forget, compassion when love is not enough.”
  She says the best part about being her age is… “I don’t look like what I have been through.” Still on her bucket-list: “To marry my best friend, my platform to become a household name, and doing a cooking/wine tasting through Italy and Napa Valley.” To which we raise a glass and say, Cheers, Miss Marcia! See you in Tuscany!

Marcia paige