Robyn Wilkes is the Director of Communications for the Greater Washington Urban League (GWUL) and a Public Relations and Community Outreach Strategist.  She has more than 15 years of experience in public relations, direct marketing and training and development initiatives for non-profit, government and corporate leaders.  Robyn has a proven record of accomplishments in planning and leading external public relations/communications programs, and can expertly promote brand visibility and enhance corporate images in a competitive landscape. Wilkes thrives on seeing a concept go from an idea to inception.

In her role at GWUL, Wilkes is tasked with executing overall media and community outreach activities, including corporate giving, employee volunteer programs, and public service media campaigns. Her core competencies include event planning and management, marketing communications and research, social media management, and relationship building with communities of diverse backgrounds.

Wilkes’ portfolio includes work on behalf of Walls Communications, Inc., the DC Department of Health – Administration for HIV/AIDS, Fannie Mae, Federal Express, and the DC Lottery Board.  She also founded Phoenix Marketing, a marketing and public relations consultancy that directed community relations programs and campaigns on behalf of Fortune 500 clients.   Wilkes has additionally managed advertising accounts for a number of print publications, including Northstar, Washington Star, and the Afro-American newspapers.

Wilkes is an active leader and member in several community organizations.  She is the Vice President of the Capital Press Club and a Board Member of Trade Secrets and a 2012 Fellow from the National African-American Women’s Leadership Institute, (NAAWLI).  Wilkes and also has been a member and officer with Women Mentor Women and the North Minneapolis Community YMCA.  Additional memberships include the American Society for Quality Control, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), and the National Association of Market Developers, Inc.  Wilkes formerly held leadership positions with the National Federation of Black Women Business Owners and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.

She holds a Bachelors’ Degree in Mass Communications from Hampton University.