Growing up, Robinne Alexander’s parents instilled the importance of education and the need to help others whenever possible. It was not until 2008 when she came back to her hometown of Port Arthur, Texas, did she realize how she could give back. Returning to the neighborhood where she grew up, she found a town with dismal high school graduation rates and high levels of crime and poverty. Determined to help local teens make better life decisions, she founded America’s Born 2 Lead Network Inc.

“I established America’s Born 2 Lead Network in 2008 with a tax refund of $2,000, as a new single mom on public assistance,” said Alexander. “I am motivated every day to be the change that I want to see in the world. It doesn’t matter how bad your situation may be or how luxurious your situation may be, we should all volunteer and serve our community in whatever capacity possible.”

The mission of the America's Born 2 Lead Network Inc. is to equip teens and young adults with progressive strategies to affect every facet of life, including financial literacy, sex education and life skills. The goal is to train and empower America's youth so they can make internal changes that will lead them to better external choices.

As Alexander got her foundation off the ground, she started to reflect on the legacy she was leaving for her daughter as a single parent. After an unsuccessful start at a local college, Alexander knew she had to try again to obtain her college education. She enrolled at American InterContinental University (AIU) Online where she received a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in organizational psychology and development in September of 2010.

“As I attended AIU, I found that my classes were very relevant to what I was handling with my foundation,” said Alexander. “I was able to sharpen my business skills and learn how to be a more effective leader.”

With her bachelor’s degree under her belt, Alexander is expanding her horizons to help others looking to start foundations and continue her own education. She recently launched the Business Center Resource for Non-Profit Organizations and Entrepreneurs to help others navigate the world of non-profits and form powerful corporate partnerships. She is also continuing her studies at AIU Online to earn her MBA.

When asked what advice she had for others looking to start a business, Alexander offered this to the WomenAchieve community.

“In order to have a good start at being successful, you need to have a vision, the ability to conceptualize your vision, and with that, passion,” said Alexander. “When all else fails, it will be the passion that keeps you going.”