Pictured above Left: Mackenzie Robinson, EVP for Philanthropy and Corporate Citizenship, pictured left with Leem Kincaid, Director of Global Strategy, pictured center, in a hotel lobby in Toulouse, France, on a Neyius Connect video chat with Kristen Picot, Head of North American Operations, pictured right in her Siler City office in the U.S.
Mackenzie Robinson, affectionately known as Mac to her global team, discussed the challenges of advancing entrepreneurship and STEM fields in developing nations. As the Executive Vice President of Philanthropy and Corporate Citizenship for NEYIUS, Mac is the driving force behind the Courtney Jordan Foundation, a London-based organization dedicated to solving societal issues with practical solutions. The foundation operates globally through CJF America, CJF Sri Lanka, and CJF Bangladesh, reflecting Mac’s lifelong commitment to uplifting communities through education and entrepreneurship.
Her mission focuses on enabling dreams to flourish and fostering prosperity through entrepreneurship and education. However, these efforts encounter substantial obstacles in developing countries, including limited access to quality education, inadequate infrastructure, and cultural norms that may impede innovation. Overcoming these challenges requires coordinated efforts, including accessible education, mentorship, and strategic resource allocation. Empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and STEM enthusiasts is crucial for transformative growth.
Mac stresses a comprehensive approach that goes beyond financial assistance, addressing the root causes of these challenges while staying focused on the long-term vision. She emphasizes the importance of balancing immediate needs with the overall mission, acknowledging the complexity of addressing critical needs without losing sight of broader objectives.
“STEM emerged as a new initiative within our solution-based organization, led by Division Chief Kristen Picot from our American division,” Mac shared. Kristen, who joined the organization last year, has faced considerable challenges in developing programs in rural areas of the U.S. These challenges stemmed from the local dynamics of the community, including resistance due to her gender and the political involvement of her family members. Kristen encountered significant opposition, including acts of sabotage, negative messages, and harassment, all of which sought to undermine her work. Despite this, Kristen’s resilience remained unshaken. She noted, “The level of resistance we faced was so intense, it could have been scripted for a dramatic story.”
Undeterred by these setbacks, Kristen remains focused on her mission of bridging opportunity gaps, especially in underserved communities, making a lasting impact despite the challenges. She described her experience as feeling “like something you would see in a movie,” highlighting the scale of the resistance she faced while carrying out her duties. Along with sabotage, she faced significant pushback from local leaders, much of it stemming from political tensions in the area. Kristen explained that the rumors and resentment led to a response that felt out of proportion, with hostility escalating from online criticism to in-person encounters, forcing her to take steps to ensure her safety.
Despite these difficulties, Kristen remained steadfast in her dedication to creating equal opportunities for women and marginalized communities. Her commitment to expanding access to opportunities has not wavered, even in the face of considerable opposition.
Mac, based in London and five hours ahead of Kristen’s time zone, expressed deep concern about the safety of their office and team, particularly Kristen, following the escalation of the situation. These incidents raised serious concerns about security, prompting discussions about relocating Kristen for her protection. Nonetheless, Kristen remained firm, emphasizing that the actions of a few individuals did not represent the views of the broader community.
Leem Kincaid, Director of Global Strategy, and Stephen Dennis, President of the Courtney Jordan Foundation, praised Kristen’s courage and reaffirmed their shared commitment to the foundation’s mission. Their leadership continues to guide the foundation’s efforts, reinforcing resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
The Courtney Jordan Foundation’s commitment to empowering marginalized communities worldwide remains unwavering. Despite the obstacles encountered, the foundation continues to move forward, prioritizing education and entrepreneurship as powerful tools for social change.
