The transformation of Jasmine Robinson from adolescent mother to the creator of the Collegiate Mom Coalition is very remarkable.
Despite the challenges she faced, she broke preconceptions, disregarded expectations, and started a movement that promoted the potential of student mothers. What started out as a single pageant to provide college scholarships to mothers has grown into a strong nonprofit organization that is transforming lives, questioning social standards, and encouraging a new generation of women to dream big and overcome obstacles.
The flame that sparked her mission as a Prairie View A&M University graduate occurred during a time of exclusion that could have crushed her soul.
Robinson stated, “I wanted to participate in the Prairie View University pageant.” You will receive a full outfit, a scholarship, and the opportunity to represent the university if you win.
But the news she received was depressing. I was dragged aside and informed that having kids prevented me from competing. Requirements to not be married, divorced, or have had an abortion made the news even more painful.
Years later, Robinson’s amazement was still audible in her voice as she stated, “They wanted someone pure.” Despite having a 3.6 GPA, I was not eligible because I was a mother.
Robinson’s academic advisor provided her advice that would alter her viewpoint after she tried to question the regulations and had no support from university administration: If you can’t join them, beat them.
A Movement is Born
The Miss Collegiate Mom Scholarship Pageant was established by Robinson in 2013. The pageant provided unrestricted scholarships and honored mothers who were seeking higher education. Participants received $6,000 over the course of two years for self-care, professional needs, or childcare.
Robinson stated, “I didn’t want stipulations.” Moms require flexibility; it’s acceptable for them to go on a trip or get their hair done.
The pageant represented the start of something much bigger, sold out Prairie View’s auditorium twice, and was featured on the university newspaper’s top page. Robinson came to the realization that her job couldn’t stop on stage after observing the needs of collegiate mothers.
They required assistance with professional dress courses, budgeting, credit recovery, and other areas. As a result, the pageant changed to a nonprofit.
Robinson has personal experience with the difficulties faced by mothers who are enrolled in college. Despite severe odds, she became pregnant at the age of 19 and a mother of two by the age of 22.Less than 2% of young mothers, according to statistics, complete college by the time they are thirty. By the age of 23, Robinson had two degrees.
She stated it was about picking my hard. Life is difficult, but I made the decision to put in a lot of effort in my studies in order to ease my future.
She was resolved to break the trend set by her grandmother and mother, both of whom were adolescent mothers.
My mother regrets to this day that she attended college for one semester before leaving. I didn’t want to go through that cycle again.
Today, Robinson’s Collegiate Mom Coalition serves as a resource, inspiration, and support center. The organization claims that all of its participants graduate.
“These women demonstrate that it is possible,” she remarked. Being a mother does not limit your potential. You may accomplish your goals while being a mother.
Facing Stigma
Robinson had to deal with some stigma along the way. Teenage mothers are frequently written out by society as failures, and college moms deal with extra demands. However, Robinson confronted criticism directly.
“I’ve always been the type of person who will try harder than ever before if you tell me I can’t,” she remarked.
Her perseverance was greatly influenced by her family and faith. Being the eldest grandchild on both sides of her family, Robinson received constant support as a child.
“I have always spoken life into things, even if we didn’t have much,” she stated. I feel secure in my identity because of that basis.
She mentors other mothers based on her experiences.
Robinson admits that not everyone has that kind of network of support. For this reason, I tell mothers: It will be difficult, but it will become easier if you persevere. Leaving makes it more difficult to return later.
The importance of their mother’s work is beginning to be understood by Robinson’s daughters.
“Why are you always so busy, Mom?” is one of the queries they pose. However, I let them know that I’m creating something for other mothers as well as for us.
When she talks of their awareness, she beams. I hope that by seeing me speak on stages and plan events, they will see what is possible. They are discovering that mothers are capable of anything.
Robinson has enormous hopes for the Collegiate Mom Coalition, which is still expanding. To increase its reach, she plans to revive the scholarship pageant in 2025 under the name Collegiate Mom Texas Pageant. Her long-term goals include reaching more schools with the Coalition’s initiatives and making a significant difference for future generations of student mothers.
Robinson’s narrative serves as both a call to action and a triumph over adversity. “College moms are worthy, capable, and ambitious,” she remarked. All they need is a little help to shine.
Advocacy and Policy Work
Robinson is dedicated to using advocacy and policy change to have a greater influence in addition to her grassroots initiatives. She has focused on legislative initiatives that will have a direct impact on women and families, especially those pertaining to women’s reproductive rights.
Robinson talked about her involvement with Austin’s women’s advocacy group, Movement Mujeres, and her plans for her future in policy work.
With them, I completed a two-year fellowship. Robinson remembers, “We traveled to the capital and fought important bills for women.” Former U.S. Senator Wendy Davis, who is well-known for her 16-hour filibuster to defend women’s rights, introduced one of the legislation that caught our attention.
For Robinson, women’s healthcare and reproductive rights are essential to her future campaigning objectives.
Working on legislation pertaining to women’s reproductive rights is currently my top priority, she says, particularly in light of the changing political landscape. I have witnessed firsthand the terrible consequences of these restrictions, and it is tragic that women are being denied access to abortions.
Robinson is passionate about advocating for legislation that guarantee women have choice over their bodies since she has personally seen the obstacles posed by limited healthcare.
I ve seen people die because they couldn t get the care they needed, and others suffer simply because they can t afford to travel for an abortion, she said. It s critical that we change these laws so that all women have access to the healthcare they need, regardless of their financial situation.
