Meet our June Specialist of the Month: Robin Clark

This month, we’re thrilled to recognize Robin Clark, a passionate and inspiring Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) specialist at Ecorse Community High School. Robin has been a JMG specialist for 16 months and has already made a powerful impact through her deep commitment to helping youth find their voice and believe in their potential.

Before joining JMG, Robin spent over two decades in the fitness industry before transitioning into public speaking. After training under renowned motivational speaker Les Brown, she discovered a new calling—empowering young people to find confidence and purpose through their own voices. “I wanted to teach students how to speak up and speak out,” Robin shares. “There’s nothing like seeing a young person take the mic and shine.”

During the slower winter months of her juicing business, Robin began subbing in local schools as a way to stay busy and give back. What started as a way to fill time quickly turned into something more. “I fell in love with the students,” she says. “I just wanted to pour into them.” When the opportunity to become a JMG specialist presented itself, it felt like a natural next step—and she didn’t hesitate to take it.

One of Robin’s favorite memories as a specialist centers around a standout student named Logan. “He started off so timid—quiet, unsure, kept to himself,” she recalls. But after attending a JMG Leadership Day, everything changed. “Logan took the lead on that trip—something I never expected. He came back and ran for prom king and class president. He found his confidence and never looked back.” For Robin, witnessing that kind of transformation is what it’s all about.

Robin believes one of the biggest challenges youth face today is distraction—from phones, social media, and the pressures of daily life. Through JMG, she teaches her students about time management, boundaries, and the importance of prioritizing what matters. “I tell them, if your phone doesn’t have a curfew, neither do your distractions,” she says. “Once they start setting boundaries, you can see the difference. They show up, they’re rested, and they’re ready.”

When asked about her favorite part of the job, Robin shared, “When the lightbulb comes on and they realize they can be whoever they want to be and do whatever they want to do. When they understand they’re in control of their own lives—not the outside world—that changes everything. If they’re willing to put in the time and energy, they can achieve anything. That’s what I love most.”

Robin describes JMG as a bridge for students to reach their goals. “Whether they want to go to college, into a career, or another path, JMG helps them get there—with resources, mentoring, and someone in their corner who truly believes in them.”

Outside of her role, Robin enjoys working out, reading, and practicing self-care—something she models for her students to show the importance of taking care of themselves, too. She also has a high-energy, five-year-old Russell Terrier named Lucy. “Fun fact about me?” she adds with a laugh. “I’m always on 100—even when I’m sitting still.”

Congratulations, Robin, on being named our June Specialist of the Month! Thank you for your energy, heart, and unwavering dedication to empowering Michigan’s youth.

Nominations are open to ALL, including our employer partners! If you know a phenomenal specialist, we encourage you to [nominate them here] for our July Specialist of the Month.