2021 UNCF 7th Annual Seminole County Leadership Breakfast – Orlando

Dr. Janell R. Robinson has a Bachelor’s in Computer Studies and a Master’s in Information Technology, both from the University of Maryland University College. She also has a Doctorate in Information Systems Management from Walden University. Dr. Robinson teaches Computer Operating Systems, Enterprise Security, Principles of Security, Information Systems Analysis and Design, and Information Systems Operations Management at Seminole State College of Florida.

Robinson’s experience includes providing telephone and on-site support for user hardware, software, and networking issues. Additionally, she has maintained servers and supported server-based applications, databases, and e-mail systems. Dr. Robinson also has several years of experience designing and maintaining company websites and Intranets. Throughout her 12-year teaching career, she has taught several IT courses online and face-to-face.

Robinson has done numerous presentations at Seminole State College. For instance, she spoke at the Hidden Figures event: An exhibition about being the “Women you don’t know behind the mission you do.” She was also one of the guest speakers for the Women in STEM event: A discussion about how to stay resilient when you are a minority in your field.

Before the pandemic, Dr. Robinson spoke to many middle school and high school-aged students about women’s importance in IT. For example, she visited Crooms Academy and Milwee Middle School. Robinson also organized a field trip for the Milwee Middle School girls to see the Seminole State College campus.

Dr. Robinson is currently involved in Aaron Gordon’s CodeOrlando Project to get underrepresented students interested in the IT field. She served as a mentor and designed the curriculum for the 30 middle and high school students who attended the 5-week camp in the summer of 2019. The students had the opportunity to visit many local organizations and institutions, including Nemours Children’s Hospital, Lockheed Martin, Limbitless, EA Sports, Seminole State College, Full Sail University, the University of Central Florida, and Disney World. A few of the students were offered 1-year internships, and each of them received a $500 scholarship. Ultimately, the camp provides opportunities the students otherwise wouldn’t have and takes their learning beyond the classroom into local businesses and universities.

In 2018, Dr. Robinson founded Seminole State College’s Women in Technology Club for female Information Systems Technology students. The club has provided a sense of community and offers the students a place to network, learn, and grow. There are currently 30 active members and growing. The club members have already attended several events, including the B-Sides Orlando Cybersecurity Conference.

Robinson is actively engaging in strategic planning to increase diversity (women and minorities) in the programs offered at Seminole State College, with the assistance of an organization called NCWIT (National Center for Women in Technology). As a result, her department was awarded $10,000 to carry out these initiatives.

Dr. Robinson has a proven heart for making sure that young ladies understand how valuable they can be in the I.T. industry. Robinson’s unique ability to relate complicated information to students, makes her a useful member of the Seminole State College faculty. She is frequently the go-to faculty member when promoting Seminole State IT curriculum to the public and consulting with private organizations. Robinson not only encourages young ladies (K-12) to enter a field that appears to be very daunting, she mentors them after they begin their studies at Seminole State through technology clubs, all the while never excluding the validity of male students as well. Dr. Robinson is a much sought-after faculty member by students and has helped establish the truth that the IT industry can have diversity and respect in its ranks. Dr. Janell Robinson has two amazing daughters, and her family resides in Orlando, Florida.