Today we’d like to introduce you to Robyn Cohen.
Hi Robyn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Originally from Toronto and have lived on two continents, in three countries, and in eight cities over the course of 25 years. Those cities include Toronto (as mentioned), Montreal, New York, Los Angeles, Park City, Reno, Sao Paulo, and Salt Lake City.
My mom is a Jamaican/Scottish Christian and my dad is a Russian/Polish Jew. I have a younger sister, Lauren, who was born developmentally delayed, so I was always a mom to her, rather than a sister. My mom passed away 18 years ago from cancer and my sister lives in an assisted living facility. My dad still lives in Toronto and is doing very well, thankfully.
Both my personal story and professional career are full of a lot of ups and downs. It’s hard to write it all in a concise way, so I’m going to focus on the highlights.
I Started modeling when I was a baby and into my teens. This is what led me to become a makeup artist, which I did for almost 15 years working with companies such as MAC, Smashbox, Shiseido, Aveda, and Molton Brown, among others. I worked my way up from a makeup artist, to managing a dermatologist’s skincare brand which I helped become a national brand. On the side, I did makeup for music videos, photographers, independent films, etc.
Then I shifted into more tech-focused companies, even helping to run my husband’s business for a couple of years.
My main career highlights are: Being involved in the DE&I space for over a decade, primarily focused on elevating women. In 2008, I was one of the first Executive directors for Girls in Tech and helped launch their first 12 chapters nationally. I also founded their Los Angeles chapter in December 2008.
In 2010 while living in Brazil, I launched a women-focused platform and events company, the first of its kind, that highlighted key female executives and entrepreneurs in Sao Paulo’s growing startup community. Upon moving to Salt Lake City in 2014, I was one of the first executive committee members for Womenpreneurs and produced Women’s Week in 2017 and 2018 at the Impact Hub Salt Lake, featuring prominent women across the Salt Lake Valley in the areas of business, tech, politics, and entrepreneurship.
The other is, that in 2017, I was hired as Managing Director at the Impact Hub Salt Lake, one of the city’s first co-working spaces. Within the first six months, I increased revenue by 60%, achieved 100% occupancy, and negotiated an exclusive partnership with Slack to do an experiential marketing campaign in Q4 of 2017. I also helped relocate the initial team for Carta from the Bay Area. They grew at the Impact Hub from 25 people to over 60 before finding their own office space.
Currently, I’m the Founder of the W Collective, an events and culture consultancy, and Co-Founder of Utah’s 40 Women OVER 40. The inaugural 40 Women OVER 40 event will be held on Friday, September 9th from 11 am – 2 pm.
I currently live in my Airstream full time, which is usually parked in the Heber City/Midway, UT area or traveling the country. If I’m not in the gym, I’m exercising outside, hiking, or skiing. I also love spending time with her furry children Asia and Kai, and my husband Todd.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road at all, but in between all the challenges, I have had some great moments as well.
From when I was very young, I helped my parents with my sister who was born developmentally delayed and has epilepsy. I was more of a second mom, rather than a sister.
Dealing with a mother who suffered from bipolar/schizophrenia.
Raped when I was 15.
Kicked out of high school at 16. (What saved me was I Went to an incredible Liberal Arts school called Thornton Hall Senior High School, which helped me graduate in the top 15th percentile in Ontario, Canada)
Got kicked out of university at 20. (I know…)
Wrote a killer essay and was able to return after a year and finally graduate in 1998.
In an abusive relationship for a year. (1997-1998)
Moved to NYC at 26 with 2 duffel bags, $1,000, and my green card.
Moved 8 times during my first year in NYC.
Met the love of my life, Todd Cohen, at a nightclub that was raising money for 9/11. (Yes, I was in NYC during 9/11)
Struggled with infertility for 14 years. (It’s a much longer more detailed story, but you can read part of it here, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-face-of-infertility_b_6721274. I’ve done 4 IUIs, 1 IVF, and 2 donor IFVs.)
My mom battled cancer for 8 years before passing away in Feb 2004.
My father-in-law passed in July 2021 from cancer after only being properly diagnosed two weeks before his death.
Both my mother-in-law had cancer (breast cancer from 2018-late 2019) and my dad had a mild case of Lymphoma in early 2022). They’re both doing fine.
In October 2019, I broke my jaw in three places and was wired shut for five weeks. I had 10 days left of unemployment. I somehow was chosen for the regional pitch competition in Salt Lake City by SoGal. I pitched W Collective with my mouth wired shut in front of an audience of 100 people and 4 investor judges.
I have been balancing working for companies and starting my own businesses for years. I feel I’m finally embracing my purpose and I’m excited about the future.
We’ve been impressed with W Collective, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
W Collective is an events production and culture consultancy focused on elevating the representation of women, with the support of male allyship.
Since 2008, we’ve been creating events, programs, and workshops focused on engaging companies and communities to highlight, support, and elevate women, with the support of male allies. When we elevate women in companies and communities, together with male allyship, we create a more dynamic, equitable, and successful world for all.
What’s next?
Build W Collective and Utah’s 40 Over 40.
Continue helping and supporting professional women, especially female entrepreneurs.
Buy land, build an A-frame, and add a cool spot for our Airstream.
Continue to work remotely, travel the country, and visit parts of the world I’m dying to see.
We might try one more donor IVF.
Considering buying property in Portugal, in case things really get bad in the U.S. and we need to leave.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wcollectiveco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msrobyncohen/
