Robyn Michelle Dawson-Bryant

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Robyn Michelle Dawson was born on February 14, 1961, in Newark, New Jersey. She was the eldest of two children born to Molly and Clyde Dawson. Robyn was raised in Newark and West Orange. She attended private schools before matriculating at the University of Pennsylvania. She later earned her Master's in Social Work for Columbia University. 

Throughout her childhood, Robyn's family was consistently engaged within the community, addressing the fundamental issues of freedom, respect, dignity and economic and social inequality. Robyn's core values and primary mission were always grounded in enhancing human well-being. She was passionate about community service, advocacy and music. Each of these would be the foundation for the lifelong relationships she built.

It was these values that drew her to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ®.   In 1981, Robyn was initiated into Gamma Epsilon Chapter at the University of Pennsylvania. She described the sisterhood as "transformative and inspirational." She saw it as life-changing, adding immeasurably to who we are as women.

Her love of music led Robyn to her future husband, Roscoe C. Bryant, Jr., affectionately known as "Rocky." Robyn and Rocky dated for several years and were married in June 1991. From their union, three beautiful children were born: Chad, Zaire and Somalia. As a young mother, Robyn remained active in community service. She was a member of Zeta Nu Omega Chapter in White Plains, Ny, and Omicron Xi Omega Chapter in Montclair, NJ, where she served as Sisterly Relations Chair, Archivist/Historian and Protocol Chair. On the regional level, Robyn served on the North Atlantic Region's Nominating Committee, and in 2011 she chaired the Recommendations Committee for the North Atlantic Regional Conference. 

In 2008, Robyn was chosen to lead a small group fo women intent on forming their own chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha to service the communities of Elizabeth, Roselle, Linden and Rahway, NJ. In December 2017, Robyn was elected the chartering president of Omega Psi Omega Chapter, based in Elizabeth. Under her leadership, the chapter has continued to uplift that community, donating their time, food and money to causes such as feeding the homeless, serving in soup kitchens, distributing toys and meals during the holidays,  organizing coat drives and mentoring students. 

Simultaneously, Robyn became active with Jack & Jill of America, Inc. After joining the North Jersey Chapter, she eventually was elected to two terms as president. She was also a member of the regional team, serving as a trainer and membership chair. In her spare time, Robyn enjoyed photography, scrapbooking, reading and travel.

All who knew and loved Robyn use the same words to describe her: intelligence, class, style and grace. 

She lived by two of her favorite sayings:

"We must be the change we want to see",

Mahatma Gandhi

"To thine own self be true."

William Shakespeare