Women in local politics: Access, impact and outcomes

Beverly Robinson-Smith, lead consultant and motivational speaker for Shifting Gears Unlimited LLC, will discuss her experiences getting involved with local politics. She will also provide a list with contact information for WNY politicians.

Beverly Robinson-Smith serves as the lead consultant and motivational speaker for Shifting Gears Unlimited LLC, a program focused on nurturing high-performance youths. With over 20 years of experience addressing the social and educational concerns of young people, Beverly empowers those who feel devoid of opportunities, influencing their daily decisions and future outcomes. Beverly’s coaching expertise lies in leadership, behavioral change, and transition coaching for youth aged 8 to 21. She has been actively involved in community development as a strategic planner and mental health advocate, serving on various boards of directors in Upstate New York.

Beverly holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Medaille College and an undergraduate degree in broadcasting communications from SUNY Brockport. A communications graduate, she continues to hone her professional skills through Toastmasters and is an alumna of the Allstate Minority and Women Emerging Entrepreneurs Program.

A Florida native, Beverly was raised by her mother and grandmother, who instilled in her the importance of education and respect for others. Her diverse career includes roles as a TV host, DJ for a radio station in Rochester, NY, a flight attendant for TWA, and participation in a national television commercial. Beverly also served as a housing counselor at the Buffalo Urban League and as a youth program director at the YMCA of Greater Rochester and Buffalo. She worked in the financial industry for 19 years at Bank of America and was the Chief of Staff at the Community Health Center of Buffalo.

Beverly is married to Howard Smith, and together they have four children and three grandchildren.