sclc/WOMEN, Inc. reappoints Kennetta-Renee’ “K. Renee” Robertson, D.Min., Ph.D., as Executive Director to Advance the Legacy of Dr. Evelyn G. Lowery

Faith-rooted leader, heritage steward, and arts-centered strategist steps into renewed service guided by the vision of Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery.

ATLANTA, GA - Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - As of November 1, 2025, the Board of Directors of sclc/WOMEN, Inc. proudly announces the reappointment of Kennetta-Renee’ “K. Renee” Robertson, D.Min., Ph.D., as Executive Director of the historic organization founded by Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery, wife of the Dean of the Civil Rights Movement and Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient Rev. Joseph Echols Lowery.

Rooted in the faith, service, and strength modeled by generations before her, Dr. Robertson, a small-town southern girl, preacher’s daughter shaped by her Gullah Geechee and Cherokee heritage credits her family upbringing as the anchor of her calling and leadership. Raised in a Christian family where prayer, song, stewardship, and entrepreneurship were daily principles, she views leadership as an expression of her commitment to community, to service - and the enduring dignity of rural life - emerging as a leader whose feet remain firmly planted in the soil of her history and her belief.

Her paternal and maternal lineage reaches back through generations as a faith-filled family of preachers, educators and psalmist whose lives were anchored in land, farm-life, agriculture and legacy. Her paternal ancestors alone purchased 362 acres of farmland in 1899 - property now honored with a state historical marker and the remaining steps of her great-grandparents’ home at Hamilton Branch State Park. Growing up on her maternal grandparent's farm was her bedrock. She was shaped by their love, strength and traditions of a large family whose homestead was filled with generational wisdom and faith.

Widely known for a leadership style often described as “the Velvet Hammer”, a distinctive balance of compassion, conviction, grace, and grit, Dr. Robertson is also widely recognized as a seasoned executive, strategist, and organizational architect. She has led large-scale initiatives across corporate, nonprofit, and global sectors, guiding teams, building systems, and designing programs that strengthen organizations from the inside out. Her business acumen, combined with her background in strategic partnerships and community development, positions her as a leader who can move seamlessly between boardrooms, grassroots spaces, and global platforms.

Dr. Robertson often notes that God’s deliberate steps allowed her path to cross with extraordinary leaders who shaped her character, discipline, and spiritual grounding. Her early understanding of community responsibility was shaped in childhood, when she joined her parents at a peaceful community march led by Rev. Jesse Jackson in 1981, a moment she recalls as an early lesson in unity, dignity, and standing for what is right with grace and faith. These formative experiences helped lay the groundwork for her public leadership, which became evident during her years at Strom Thurmond High School, where she made history as the first African American Miss Statesman. She continued to excel through numerous titles, including Miss Paine College, using her academic and scholarship platforms to uplift education, service, and youth leadership.

Dr. Robertson’s leadership has been deeply shaped by women who carried the movement’s vision forward with grace and courage. As the longtime mentee of civil-rights icon Dr. Amelia Boynton Robinson, she carries forward a legacy of purpose-driven service and disciplined advocacy. She also honors the profound influence of Dr. Naomi Ruth Barber-King, widow of Rev. A.D. King, whose steadfast wisdom and commitment to community uplift greatly impacted her leadership philosophy.

She also honors the influential wisdom of two distinguished men who shaped her development much like modern-day Mordecais - offering guidance, grounding, and clarity as she stepped into her purpose. While competing for Miss Black Georgia, and Miss Black USA International, Rev. Hosea Williams strengthened her conviction to live and lead with courage, moral clarity, and a cause-based sense of responsibility in everything she puts her hands to - which resulted in the crown win. In her advanced academic and ministerial formation, Rev. Dr. Byron Clay provided advanced scholarly tutelage and mentorship that deepened her spiritual discipline and leadership foundation. Their combined guidance fortified both her purpose and her preparation, much like Mordecai’s steady influence in the life of Esther.

Throughout her career, Dr. Robertson has worn many hats, literally and figuratively, serving across movement, marketplace, and mission, bringing a distinctive blend of strategic insight, cultural literacy, and servant leadership:

• Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) – National Director of Public Affairs, Media & Outreach, serving chapters nationwide and internationally

• Dr. Maya Angelou Teen Performing Arts Center – Director, expanding arts-based youth empowerment and inspired by Dr. Angelou’s charge: “…use your voice, K. Renee’, every voice, boldly.”

• Travel + Leisure Co. – Executive of Global Strategic & Social Impact Partnerships, built a diverse range of grassroots and global partnerships and developed scalable models for major brands including the NFL, The Weather Channel and T.D. Jakes Enterprises

• Harold A. Dawson Company – Director of Marketing for one of Atlanta’s most prominent Black-owned commercial real-estate development firms

• United Nations–affiliated Georgia–Carolinas Charter – President, advancing global civic engagement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

• South Carolina African American Heritage Commission – Commissioner and Chair of Strategic Partnerships, supporting preservation and interpretation of African American history

• A. D. King Foundation, brother of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., founded by Dr. Naomi Ruth Barbara King, Executive Board Member

• McCormick County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center – CEO & President of a county chamber, strengthening business, tourism, and economic ecosystems

• Owner, Robertson Plumbing International – a modern expansion of her father’s more than 45-year-old family business, Robertson Plumbing

As a hotelier and heritage steward, Dr. Robertson is the owner of the Historic McCormick Hotel “The First Lady of McCormick” located in South Carolina’s Old 96 District. The Historic McCormick Hotel will serve as a cultural hub for history, hospitality, agriculture, and the arts.

Her commitment to service has been recognized from her college years - beginning with the ABC/WJBF-TV People Who Care Award and Points of Light honors - to her most recent recognition as a 2024 She Leads Georgia Distinguished Honoree and Commissioner.

An ovarian cancer survivor, Dr. Robertson is also the creator of the No Regrets Allowed® book and challenge campaign (NoRegretsAllowed.com), where she invites people to live boldly, steward their gifts, and face life’s trials with courage, faith, and intentionality.

A captivating storyteller and vocalist with a signature sound described as spanning from warm mezzo-soprano to deep, contralto moving sounds of down-home lining of hymns to soulful tones reminiscent of Sarah Vaughan, Barbara Streisand, Bette Midler, Mahalia Jackson, and Nina Simone, Dr. Robertson views the arts as “a living heartbeat of community, faith, and culture.”

QUOTES FROM LEADERSHIP

Patrica A. Ford, Chair of the Board, sclc/WOMEN, Inc.

“We are honored to welcome Dr. K. Renee Robertson back to sclc/Women, Inc. Her leadership is marked by integrity, vision, and a deep reverence for the legacy entrusted to this organization. She brings a rare blend of strategic insight, spiritual grounding, and unstoppable commitment to women, families, and history. Our Board stands proudly and unanimously behind her leadership.”

Leon Kennedy III, First-Born Grandson of the Founder, Communications Director, and Executive Board Member

“I am proud to announce Ms. K. Renee Robertson as our new Executive Director. As the first-born grandson of our founder, Communications Director, and Executive Board member, I am thrilled to welcome K. Renee’ back to our team and offer my full support as she leads our organization in advancing Evelyn G. Lowery’s mission of social awareness and community empowerment. I’m excited to see the impact K. Renee will make, and I invite everyone to join us in extending a warm welcome to my friend…Ms. K. Renee’ Robertson.”

Joi Yvonne Kennedy, Granddaughter of Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery

“I am excited to welcome Mrs. K. Renee as our new Executive Director here at sclc/WOMEN, INC. As the granddaughter of Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery, and Executive Board member, I am honored to have K. Renee’s expertise and leadership as we join forces in fighting the good fight and continuing my dear Grandmother’s legacy of service and excellence.”

STATEMENT FROM DR. K. RENEE ROBERTSON

“I step into this role with a humbled heart and a resolute spirit, grateful for the trust extended to me by the Lowery family, our Board of Directors, our steadfast staff, our tireless volunteers, and the beloved community that has partnered with this organization for decades. Marching forward in the legacy of Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery, I embrace this moment knowing God doesn't call the qualified - He qualifies the called - with deep reverence and with a full commitment to serve faithfully until the work before us is complete. I welcome every person, every family, and every community to lock arms with me in Christian love and in power.”

ABOUT sclc/WOMEN, Inc.

Founded in 1979 by Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery, sclc/WOMEN, Inc. is dedicated to empowering women, strengthening families, preserving history, and advancing justice through education, service, and community engagement.