Dynestie Robinson, a community outreach and social work professional, has joined Sea Grant as coordinator of the national Community Engaged Internship program. Robinson will manage professional development opportunities, hands-on experiences, and funding resources for 40 undergraduate student interns from underrepresented and indigenous communities across the country.
“We are thrilled that Dynestie has joined us and will be working to increase and broaden student participation in Sea Grant and promote career pathways in marine science in North Carolina and across the nation,” says Frank López, North Carolina Sea Grant’s extension director.
Robinson’s background in community engagement includes her work with Passage Home, Wake County’s Community Action Agency. Passage Home provides intentional and accessible resources to lift families out of the cycle of poverty and toward generational self-sufficiency.
Robinson served as Passage Home’s volunteer coordinator, mentoring interns, volunteers, and staff to ensure their professional development and success. She also served as the nonprofit’s communications and grant writer, securing funding for Passage Home’s initiatives and programs.
“Joining the Sea Grant team as the Community Engagement Internship coordinator holds special significance for me as a student who, at times, strayed from programs that lacked representation that mirrored my own,” Robinson says. “This role is a chance to create and foster inclusive space that encourages students from diverse backgrounds to explore and thrive in marine and coastal professions. Further, it is an incredible opportunity to contribute to initiatives for increasing research visibility and fostering interest among students whose perspectives are often missed but are vital for a sustainable future.”
Robinson earned her bachelors of social work from University of North Carolina at Greensboro and her masters of social work from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She will work out of North Carolina Sea Grant’s Raleigh office, while also pursuing her doctorate in social work.
“I’m looking forward to connecting students with coastal communities, creating meaningful professional development experiences, and contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable future,” Robinson says.
Learn more about the internship program here.
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