Kate Robinson, Benefits and Compliance Manager with CMC Energy in Fort Washington, was born in Philadelphia, PA, and raised in the historical Germantown neighborhood. Kate earned her degree in Psychology from Lehigh University. Due to her desire to help people, she began her career as a social services coordinator for a foster care agency and later the Public Defender Association of Philadelphia, representing children in the dependency and mental health court systems for nearly a decade.
Kate was first introduced to the human resources field during her time working at a nursing home.
Kate has two children, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, beach trips and social activism to help make the world a safer, kinder and more just place to live. For the last 25 years, Kate has worked at the same local tavern in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia.
Prior to joining CMC, what did you know of energy efficiency or the industry?
The extent of my knowledge related to energy efficiency (pre-CMC) was using energy efficient light bulbs, turning off utilities that we were not using and composting. I had made my own soaps and laundry detergent in order to cut back on bulky non-recyclable products, but it wasn’t until I started working at CMC and had an energy audit completed on my home that I understood the impact we are having, and the importance of the work being done.
What made you join CMC?
Luck! Working for a women-owned company that cares for their employees while making an environmental impact is just plain luck.
What do you like about the work that you do at CMC?
Tina Baldt! ? And I love helping people and organizing things. I get to do both every day at CMC. I was first introduced to the human resources field during my time working at a nursing home.
What do you do for fun? Do you have any hidden talents or interests?
All of my favorite activities are when I’m spending time with my children, ages 16 and 11. I enjoy watching Netflix, hiking, playing Uno, going to the beach and participating in social justice activities to bring attention to racial inequities in our community and school systems. I want my children to remember their childhood filled with me helping people and fiercely fighting for change so they too will want to make the world a safer, kinder, more just place to live.
Summer is around the corner, now that states are opening back up, what are you looking forward to?
I am very excited that summer is almost here. My family has been cautious during the pandemic, so no big travel plans for us! But we enjoy being outside and swimming in the pool, so I will be buying plenty of sunscreen!