Celebrating Black History Month
Pioneering Leadership: Deborah Robinson, Trailblazing President of the Mobile Area Association of REALTORS®
Deborah Robinson’s journey to becoming the first Black president of the Mobile Area Association of REALTORS® began with an invitation to join the local chapter of the Women’s Council of REALTORS®.
Reflecting on her path, Robinson quoted Phillip Stanhope, “Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well,” underscoring the importance of giving full focus to each task as a foundational principle in her leadership journey.
In 2013, she made history as the first African American elected as President of the Mobile Chapter of the Women’s Council of REALTORS®, marking a significant milestone in her career.
In 2016, she was honored as REALTOR® of the Year of the Mobile Area Association of REALTORS®, recognizing her exceptional achievements and contributions to the real estate community.
Throughout her ascent to leadership roles, mentors such as Merrill Thomas, Melissa Morrisette, and Butch Blum played pivotal roles in encouraging Robinson.
Describing her experience, Robinson said, “Melissa nominated me for a position which caused my tenure on the Nominating Committee to end,” highlighting the turning points that shaped her trajectory.
In 2018, Deborah Robinson made history by becoming the first African American elected as President of the Mobile Area Association of REALTORS®, breaking barriers and paving the way for future leaders.
Approaching her role as president with a combination of determination and humility, Robinson said, “Being the ‘first’ African American wasn’t new to me,” citing previous instances where she had been the first in various aspects of her life. Emphasizing the need to set a standard for future leaders, she added, “I would not be the last.”
Robinson’s commitment to diversity and inclusion extended beyond her presidency.
Stressing the importance of diverse perspectives, she said, “Diversity and inclusion remain very important to me, even today,” emphasizing the educational opportunities inherent in fostering an inclusive workplace culture.
During her presidency, Robinson strategically incorporated the concept of “the task is to ask.”
“I gave real meaning to the slogan from Women’s Council and strategically used that concept often,” Robinson said, describing this approach.
In 2018 and 2019, Robinson held the position of Chairman of the Professional Standards Committee of the Alabama Association of REALTORS®, contributing to the development and enforcement of ethical standards in the industry and was elected to serve as the Southern Region Vice President of the Alabama Association of REALTORS®.
Robinson emphasized that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not mere buzzwords but represent a commitment to innovation within the real estate industry.
In 2019 and 2020, Robinson served as a member of the Professional Standards Committee of the National Association of REALTORS®, a position that reflects her commitment to maintaining professional excellence at the national level. From 2020 to 2022, she was elected to serve as a Director for the Alabama Association of REALTORS®, showcasing her peers’ confidence in her ability to contribute meaningfully to the organization’s goals and initiatives.
Deborah Robinson’s journey and leadership as the first Black president of MAAR serve as an inspiration during Black History Month. Her resilience, dedication, and commitment to diversity and inclusion, as articulated through her own words, have left a lasting impact, setting a standard for future leaders and contributing to the ongoing evolution of the real estate industry.
In 2023, Deborah Robinson was appointed by Governor Ivey to serve as an At-large Commissioner for the Alabama Real Estate Commission, a prestigious position that recognizes her expertise and dedication to the real estate sector. Her appointment is set for a commendable five-year term, highlighting the trust placed in her leadership.