Insider · Tech Breaking
The Cleveland Women Leaders Association, part of the largest organization for women professionals in the U.S., has named Cindy Mako Robinson, Ph.D., as its newest Coaching Partner for the Cleveland chapter. This addition provides members with a choice of two rigorously vetted coaches, each offering complementary strengths and expertise for women professionals in the region.
The Coaching Partners program was established to address a challenge frequently cited by the association’s members: finding high-quality, trustworthy coaching in an unregulated market. By thoroughly screening coaches for recognized certifications, proven experience, and strong client reviews, the Women Leaders Association aims to ensure that each chapter’s professionals can confidently book consultations and receive effective support for their career advancement.
Robinson brings a unique perspective to the program, holding a Ph.D. in Leadership and Change from Antioch University. Her doctoral research focused on the lived experiences of women in middle-level leadership roles—an often-overlooked group with significant organizational impact. Her work highlights how purpose, values, and meaningful relationships contribute to leadership growth and fulfillment, challenging traditional definitions of career success.
With over two decades of experience in higher education leadership at institutions including The University of Akron, Lake Erie College, and Kent State University, Robinson has guided students, professionals, and families through pivotal career moments. At Kent State University, she directed the College Credit Plus program across two regional campuses, collaborating with stakeholders in five counties to expand access to higher education and contributing to a 44 percent increase in new student enrollments. At Lake Erie College, she coached first-generation and underrepresented students through academic and personal transitions.
An Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation and trained in positive psychology and executive coaching, Robinson employs a strengths-based, relational approach. She works with clients navigating career and life transitions, including frontline supervisors, emerging leaders, solopreneurs, and individuals facing new professional challenges. Her coaching is grounded in positive psychology, mindfulness, and helping clients gain clarity and recognize their strengths.
"My role isn't to provide answers," said Robinson. "It's to create a space where your story is truly heard, your unique strengths are recognized and amplified, and your aspirations take tangible shape. My doctoral research was about women in middle leadership—the ones holding organizations together whose influence too often goes unnamed—and what I found is that purpose, values, and real relationships matter more to lasting success than the traditional scoreboard does. I believe in small, intentional steps that add up to transformation. I'm honored to bring that to the Women Leaders Association's Cleveland members."
Robinson joins Debbi Embry on the Cleveland coaching roster, offering members a choice between two proven coaches. Members can view Robinson’s full profile, including her focus areas and credentials, schedule a 30-minute introductory call, or send a private note through her page at Cindy Mako Robinson’s coaching profile.
"A great many of our members are exactly who Cindy studied: the middle-level leader whose organization would fall apart without her and whose influence rarely makes the org chart," said Lydia Price, 2026 Volunteer Chair of the Women Leaders Association. "She has a doctorate in that experience and two decades of guiding people through career transitions. With two vetted coaches now in Cleveland, our members can find the right partner for the challenge in front of them."
The Cleveland expansion is part of a broader national rollout, with the association extending its Coaching Partners program across more than 130 chapters. Each chapter pairs its members with coaches selected specifically for that market, supporting the organization’s mission to provide both structural transparency and individual support for women’s professional advancement.
The Women Leaders Association also invests in research and transparency initiatives, such as the Glass Ceiling Score project, which uses data to rate major U.S. employers on their promotion of women into management and executive roles. Chapters publish Best Women Employers rankings, compensation studies, and annual Top 50 Women Leaders awards. The Coaching Partners program complements these efforts by providing members with access to vetted coaches who can help them navigate their careers effectively.
About Cleveland Women Leaders Association
The Cleveland Women Leaders Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development and advancement of women in the corporate sector. As part of a national network with 43,000 members and more than 130 chapters, it produces conferences, leadership programs, original research, and daily publications for women professionals. The association also publishes the Glass Ceiling Score and recognizes top women’s employers in each city. More information is available at ClevelandWomenLeaders.org.
Events Near You: Local Women Leaders Association events
Best Employers Near You: Best women’s employers rankings
Visit the Cleveland chapter: https://clevelandwomenleaders.org/
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Media Contact:
Lydia Price
Cleveland Women Leaders Association
Service@WomanLeaders.org
