The great American social advocate and suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton said, “The moment we begin to fear the opinions of others and hesitate to tell the truth that is in us, and from motives of policy are silent when we should speak, the divine floods of light and life no longer flow into our souls.”Robin Robertson Starr has never feared the opinions of those who seek to undermine the humane movement; nor has she ever shied away from speaking honestly and courageously for the protections of innocent animals. This revolutionary spirit coupled with visionary leadership of the Richmond SPCA and a remarkable commitment to building a community that treats the most vulnerable among us with compassion and decency has distinguished Robin as a recipient of one of this year’s esteemed YWCA Outstanding Women Awards.
This recognition by the YWCA of Robin’s brave work is an honor that is richly deserved and for which we are deeply grateful. For 15 years, Robin has dedicated herself to defending helpless animals, and her tireless efforts have produced meaningful change for the prospects of life for thousands of homeless pets communitywide. We, and the animals with which we share this world, owe to her an enormous debt of gratitude for the progress she has made possible, despite the many obstacles and challenges she has fearlessly faced along the way. In bestowing upon Robin this award, the YWCA has not only acknowledged her magnificent contributions to the cause of animal welfare and to our society – it has effectively recognized that saving the lives of animals matters. It’s mattered for a very long time to a lot of people, and we are pleased that the YWCA has ultimately realized it through the conveyance of this honor.
In pursuing the mission of the Richmond SPCA – to treat every life as precious – Robin has embraced the truth and never kept silent when it mattered the most. She truly is an outstanding woman.
E. Claiborne Robins, Jr., chairman emeritus of the Richmond SPCA, and Doris Ann Kane, devoted friend of Robin Starr, together nominated her for the YWCA Outstanding Woman Award.
More reading: Jan. 9 article by Tammie Smith in the Richmond Times-Dispatch
To read the biographies of our regular bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires a first and last name to be used as your screen name.
I am deeply grateful to Claiborne and Doris Ann for this lovely post. Their words mean so much to me and I could never thank them enough for having nominated me for this recognition. They are both wonderful friends to me and I am so fortunate to have them in my life.
Posted by: Robin Starr | January 10, 2012 at 11:10 AM
What a fabulous post, so thrilled to be reading it and seeing all of Robin's efforts receive such deeply deserved recognition. Tommy and I are so incredibly proud of Robin! I do believe Brio had a little smile on her face this morning also.
Posted by: Karen Gammon | January 10, 2012 at 12:07 PM
This is an award well earned. While the Richmond animals and the community have benefited greatly from Robin's commitment and passion, she is also a signficant, well respected leader in the national animal welfare field. Here tireless efforts on behalf of our industry has earned her great respect from her peers across the country. On behalf of your friends and colleagues on the Board of Directors of the National Federation of Humane Societies, Congratulations Robin.
Steve Putnam, CEO
Posted by: Steve Putnam | January 11, 2012 at 08:47 AM
It's truly been amazing to see the transformative effect that Robin and the rest of the team at the Richmond SPCA have had on animals in the community, on state policy, and on public attitudes throughout the Commonwealth. Leadership matters, and Robin is one of the outstanding humane leaders in this country. It's so nice to see other community institutions recognize her immense contributions to building a civil and humane society. I hope all of the folks at the Richmond SPCA can hear the applause coming from our staff at HSUS in Washington, D.C.
Wayne Pacelle
President & CEO
The Humane Society of the United States
Posted by: Wayne Pacelle | January 11, 2012 at 09:35 AM