The Sycamore Institute recently welcomed Robin Yeh to our full-time staff as our Policy Director. We asked Robin to answer the following questions so you can get to know her better.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in Yorktown, Virginia and attended the University of Virginia for a B.A. in Media Studies. After college, I lived in Danville, Virginia for two years where I served as a high school college adviser through AdviseVA, an AmeriCorps program aimed at expanding postsecondary access to underserved students in Virginia. My experience as a college adviser sparked an interest in education policy and I moved to Nashville in 2018 to pursue an M.P.P. in education policy at Vanderbilt University. Prior to joining Sycamore, I worked at the Tennessee Department of Education as Director of Policy and External Affairs where I engaged with Tennessee lawmakers, K-12 and postsecondary education advocates, and school and district leaders on various education law and policy issues.
Why did you want to work at the Sycamore Institute?
I was drawn to Sycamore because of its mission as a non-partisan and impartial organization. I also wanted to expand my own knowledge beyond education policy, and I appreciate Sycamore’s broad research agenda, so I’m excited to dig in on various public policy issues impacting Tennesseans.
Where do you want to be in 15 years?
In 15 years, I simply hope to have a fulfilling and rewarding life, both personally and professionally. I hope to still be working in public policy and might one day move back to Virginia to serve my home state.
What are your interests and activities outside of work?
Outside of work, I love reading, yoga, going to concerts, and taking walks around my neighborhood. I also love trying new hobbies and activities even if I might not be good at them, like pickleball, painting, and pottery.
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
I performed in a community college production of Cats the Musical when I lived in Danville, Virginia. Although I have no singing or dancing experience, it gave me a greater appreciation for theater!
