Women To Watch 2025 honoree Dr. Robin R. Starks

Dr. Robin R. Starks is a dynamic force of strength, integrity, and spiritual resilience—a leader, visionary, and warrior for justice. A proud native of South Florida, she has dedicated her life to service, breaking barriers, and uplifting others. Dr. Starks is a distinguished graduate of St. Thomas University, where she earned her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees, fortifying her foundation in leadership and excellence.

With an extraordinary career spanning over 34 years in law enforcement, Dr. Starks has shattered glass ceilings in a male-dominated field. She began her journey with the City of Miami Police Department in 1989, mastering diverse roles across critical divisions, including Field Operations, Public Corruption, Street Narcotics, Special Investigations, and Internal Affairs. Her expertise led her to work alongside elite agencies such as the FBI, DEA, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and South Florida Impact, cementing her legacy as a formidable law enforcement professional. Even after retirement, her leadership was in high demand, resulting in her appointments as Chief of Public Safety for Miami Dade College, Major of Operations for the Miami Gardens Police Department, and Assistant Chief of Police for the Opa-Locka Police Department, where she continues to serve with unwavering dedication.

Beyond her law enforcement career, Dr. Starks is an entrepreneur and philanthropist. She is the founder of Starks Consulting Firm, L.L.C., and the non-profit Starks Education, Athletic, and Leadership Organization, both dedicated to mentorship, youth empowerment, and leadership development. A powerful voice for change, Dr. Starks is the acclaimed author of Women Breaking the Glass Ceiling in Male-Dominated Professions and co-author of the Sister-to-Sister Anthology. Her upcoming books, Unbreakable and Hiding Behind the Badge, are set for release in 2025 and 2026, promising to inspire and challenge societal norms.

Dr. Starks’ impact extends far beyond the written word. She has mentored countless young men and women, spoken on major platforms about gun violence, domestic violence, and women in leadership, and has been featured on NBC 6, Channel 10, and WAVS 1170. Recognized by M.I.A. Legacy Magazine as one of South Florida’s Most Prominent and Influential Black Women, she has received numerous honors for her contributions to justice, leadership, and community empowerment.

For over two decades, Dr. Starks has also been a trailblazer in the arts and entertainment industry, hosting events such as fashion shows, artist showcases, and modeling competitions—continuing to uplift and inspire. Her commitment to excellence is further reflected in her affiliations with prestigious organizations, including the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, the Florida Chief of Police Association, the Miami Dade County Chief of Police Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Women of Law Enforcement, and the Sirius Stars Group 155.

A fearless leader, a spiritual warrior, and an unstoppable force, Dr. Robin R. Starks continues to elevate, empower, and transform lives. She is not just breaking barriers; she is redefining them.