LaKendria Robinson
LaKendria Robinson is a prime example of a community leader. The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Orenda Collective, Robinson is a proven leader in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space, aiding local businesses in developing and executing effective DEI strategies while using her platform to spotlight the work that they do.
Founded in March 2021, the Orenda Collective is a leadership advisory group committed to nurturing impactful DEI initiatives and empowering teams across all industries. Under the guidance of Robinson, the organization works to implement measurable and impactful social impact programs to further fair treatment and participation of all people across a variety of different businesses. The Orenda Collective prides itself on building and maintaining relationships with minority, women, veteran, and LGBTQ-owned businesses and connecting these organizations to tangible opportunities that increase their revenue, provide access to unique opportunities, and connect them to resources that strengthen operations.
Tied to the business is The Orenda Foundation, a nonprofit that addresses challenges that plague diverse business owners. To raise funds to combat these challenges, the foundation hosts The OC Emporium, an annual business showcase that connects executives directly to minority, woman, veteran, & LGBT-owned businesses. The event provides a solution to the lack of access to decision-makers in Tampa Bay for small businesses, giving each the opportunity to showcase their work in front of Tampa's top executives and business leaders. All event proceeds are donated to The Orenda Foundation to tackle the lack of access to knowledge by providing technical assistance microgrants to diverse business owners to strengthen their infrastructure and increase capacity.
These initiatives have been born from Robinson's vision and leadership, as she has made it her mission to aid in providing opportunities for business owners who may not otherwise have them. Prior to founding The Orenda Collective, Robinson worked as the Director of Business Connect & Community Outreach for the Tampa Bay Super Bowl LV Host Committee and spent nearly three years as the Director of Minority Business Accelerator & Economic Inclusion for the Tampa Bay Chamber. She is also an active member of WISE Tampa Bay.