When Robin Whitney majored in civil engineering, there were even less women in the field than there are today.
“When I graduated in the 80s, there were three females in my class,” she said. It was very rare for a woman to make a career for herself in construction and engineering, but Whitney has done just that. Now she wears many hats as ProMedica’s chief strategic planning, business development, and real estate officer. Real estate is “really where I started in the organization,” she said. Her responsibilities, capital planning, construction projects, and managing real estate portfolios, create a vision for ProMedica’s future.
Whitney also spends time volunteering on the boards of the Regional Growth Partnership and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). As an alumna of the University of Toledo, she also stays active with the Alumni Association board.
We asked Whitney to tell us more about what keeps her motivated at work, her future goals, and about pastimes that bring her joy.
What is something you’ve always wanted to do? Travel. I have a trip to Alaska planned for 2019, and I’d like to go to Hawaii. Also, (I have a goal) to run the Boston Marathon.
What qualities do you admire most in people? Positive thinking and energy. I admire people who are solution-oriented.
What are the words you live by? Make a difference.
What advice would you give to the younger you? Be more confident. Over the years, I’ve gained more confidence in my abilities. I should have done it earlier.
Who would you most like to meet (living or dead)? Alexander Hamilton. After reading his book, I think he would have been an amazing person to talk to.
What inspires you in your day-to-day life? What we do as an organization. I’m around a lot of people who are taking care of others, changing lives, and helping people in their time of need.
Do you have any pet peeves? Not really. I don’t sweat the small stuff.
Bonus Facts
Favorite food: Chocolate!
Favorite TV show: The Big Bang Theory.
Favorite movie: Forrest Gump.
