Dr. Cheryl Robinson is a  Founder, Creative Renegade Media and Contributor, Forbes trailblazer in women’s empowerment, health advocacy, and leadership education. A celebrated contributor to ForbesWomen since 2017, Cheryl has interviewed over 700 influential women, amplifying their career journeys and mindsets. From powerful executives like Kathleen Kennedy to global icons such as Maria Sharapova and Diane von Furstenberg, Cheryl’s work highlights the triumphs and pivots of some of the world’s most inspiring women. Her insightful storytelling has garnered 33 Editors’ Pick recognitions and has been featured multiple times in the ForbesWomen newsletter, solidifying her reputation as a voice for change.

A Resilient Advocate for Women’s Health

Beyond her professional accolades, Cheryl’s most profound impact lies in her advocacy for women’s health, shaped by her own deeply personal journey. In 2017, Cheryl began experiencing debilitating pain linked to a rare and unexplained clitoral health condition. The swelling and pain left her immobilized for days, triggering a cycle of medical gaslighting and self-doubt. Despite being dismissed repeatedly by medical professionals, Cheryl persisted in her search for answers, enduring years of chronic pain and stigma.

In 2022, after four years of relentless self-advocacy, Cheryl finally found a physician, Dr. Andrew Goldstein, who diagnosed her condition and performed life-changing surgery. For over a year, she lived free from the pain that had previously dominated her life. However, in May 2024, her symptoms re-emerged, and further testing uncovered additional health challenges, including May-Thurner Syndrome, a life-threatening vascular condition, and Stage 3 lipedema, a disorder affecting 11 million women.

Through her journey, Cheryl has become a champion for breaking medical stigmas, particularly those faced by women and individuals with larger bodies. She uses her story to inspire others to advocate for themselves, challenge biases in the medical field, and open dialogue around women’s health issues that are often overlooked or misunderstood.

Leadership, Empowerment, and Education

Cheryl’s career as an educator and speaker reflects her passion for empowering others. As a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership, she develops and hosts leadership workshops focusing on career pivoting, branding, and navigating the media landscape. Her interactive workshops have been held at prestigious institutions, including Columbia University and Penn State, as well as on international stages like the U.N.’s Girl Up Teen Advisory Board and the Acronis Women in Tech & Motorsports event in Abu Dhabi.

In 2015, Cheryl founded Ready2Roar LLC, a platform encompassing her Embrace the Pivot series, leadership workshops, and speaking engagements. She also collaborated on initiatives like the Ivy Startup Conference, which diversified the Ivy League pitch scene, and Endurance 2.0, a platform supporting professional athletes transitioning into post-sports careers.

A Career Rooted in Sports and Entertainment

Cheryl’s early career includes 15 years of event consulting within the sports and entertainment industry. She worked on high-profile projects such as the 2014 NYNJ Super Bowl Host Committee and NFL Super Bowl Committee and developed a sports sector for Legacy Business Advisors, collaborating with SMS Promotions. Cheryl also designed a Sports Marketing curriculum for Stockton University, where she served as an adjunct professor from 2014 to 2019.

A Legacy of Resilience and Impact

Dr. Cheryl Robinson’s life is a testament to resilience and determination. From confronting personal health battles to breaking down barriers in women’s leadership and health advocacy, she has turned her challenges into opportunities for change. With three upcoming surgeries for lipedema, months of recovery, and a commitment to sharing her journey, Cheryl continues to inspire others to embrace their struggles, advocate for their needs, and pivot toward brighter futures.

Through her storytelling, teaching, and advocacy, Cheryl Robinson reminds the world that resilience, self-advocacy, and a refusal to accept limits can transform lives—not just her own but those of countless others.