Tiffany Robinson is recognized around town as an ardent ambassador for many of the Capital City’s most beloved institutions including Arkansas Children’s Hospital and Easterseals Arkansas. Among the most meaningful is Women & Children First: The Center Against Family Violence. She was initially introduced to the organization through her mother’s unwavering devotion. “Women & Children First not only changes the lives of the people it serves, but it changes generations for years to come.” Tiffany and her husband Daniel continue to cultivate a community of support + the vision of Tiffany’s mom, Cindy Murphy, that others have embraced over the years. “She brought so many people together who combined their skills to broaden the reach of the organization’s services. Once people know about Women & Children First, it really pulls at your heartstrings and inspires you to want to do more. That’s how we’ve gotten here; people learn about domestic violence and want to help. The new Forest of Hope – which includes the Women & Children First Shelter as well as the new Family Peace Center – is a place for women and children to rebuild, feel loved and know that a real future is possible.” Later this month, Tiffany will be celebrated as Woman of the Year by Women & Children First. The evening will commemorate the 20th anniversary + the remarkable legacy of an organization that remains steadfast in mission fulfillment and determined to improve lives of fellow Arkansans.
The idea for the Woman of the Year Gala emerged when Cindy realized an opportunity to shift the trajectory of families caught in the cycle of domestic violence. “My mom saw the potential to help spread the mission of Women & Children First and assist with fundraising; the rest is history!” For nearly two decades, this circle of compassion has expanded. Capital Campaign Chairman Cathy Browne adds, “Cindy connected the people, like me, to the shelter and then we were hooked. Every single one of us had talents and treasures to share – including Tiffany and Daniel.” As a young professional, Tiffany established The Peacekeepers Auxiliary for the organization. “We helped raise awareness for the shelter by educating young adults and hosting both ‘friend-raisers’ and fundraisers.” Her retail career at Barbara/Jean, a women’s specialty boutique, evolved in tandem with her devotion to Women & Children First. “Our first Pop-Up Shop was the result of clients, friends and other local boutiques donating clothes to a resale fundraiser. This concept worked; it generated money to buy essentials for the shelter. People loved shopping and learning more about Women & Children First.”
Women & Children First offers crisis intervention, safe shelter, legal advocacy and emotional support for families in distress. Last year, the shelter answered more than 5,500 calls on the 24-hour statewide crisis hotline and provided 24,157 emergency shelter days to nearly 1,000 adults + children. These staggering statistics translate into an undeniable message that resonates. Tiffany insists, “Helping people who are doing everything within their capabilities to create a better life for their children is an easy ask. Who wouldn’t want to help?” The Forest of Hope and Family Peace Center will make resources more accessible, immediate and effective. Each year, the state’s largest domestic violence shelter garners support for this continued mission fulfillment work through the Woman of the Year Gala. Tiffany believes the 20th anniversary gala is an opportunity to recount the community of support. “It’s not about one woman. It’s about everyone who has contributed over the years and the people at the shelter doing the really hard work. The heroes are the families who receive assistance.”
Now, as owner of Barbara/Jean, her business and civic leadership blend seamlessly into a whirlwind of enthusiasm. Every encounter with Tiffany is a gentle reminder of why community and family matter. Cathy elaborates, “Like her mom, Tiffany is always considering the ‘what if’ possibilities; she’s equally determined to pull the necessary resources – and right people – to make it happen. It’s the winning combination of good business and lots of heart.” And for the Robinsons, it’s still a family affair. Daniel lends his business acumen, serving in a variety of roles throughout the years, and their son Nebby is nearly always in tow. Tiffany remembers countless projects during her mom’s tenure as KATV Channel 7 Community Relations Director. “Volunteering and helping others were the norm for us. Mom paired nonprofit organizations with local companies that could provide assistance, then created an advertising campaign to spread the word. Whatever she was doing, we were all doing it together.” This is why Tiffany knows everyone can make a difference. “Children learn from experiences, we can all learn from each other, and everyone deserves a safe place to call home. That’s what the Family Peace Center will be; we’re so close to the finish line. Let’s do it!”
Woman of the Year
Saturday, January 31
Statehouse Convention Center
