35 under 35
Cheyenne Robb, M.S. Lambda Kappa - University of Alabama/Huntsville
Academic Advisor and Instructor, University of Alabama/Huntsville
Which of the Delta Zeta shared values resonates with you the most? Belonging
Can you share a brief 5-7 sentence biography about yourself, highlight key moments in your career that have shaped who you are today?
I was a first-generation college student that fell in love with science through the education programs at my local zoo, botanical gardens and science museum. These institutions shaped my passions and career path. Being able to inspire young women in STEM the way I was inspired is a full-circle moment for me. I love being able to dedicate my career to students and my time to volunteering with wildlife and nature.
Who has been an invaluable mentor for your professional career? What did you learn from this friendship?
Fellow Delta Zeta sister Michelle Banish has been an invaluable mentor for me from when I was a sophomore in college all the way to the present day. I met Michelle during a Society of Women Engineers event at University of Alabama in Huntsville. She is not only an amazing mentor but also an amazing engineer. She helped me through two career changes and even traveled across states to support me! She is truly what it means to be a Delta Zeta woman. I have learned from Michelle that mentorship goes beyond just meeting with someone. It involves getting to know that person, supporting them and walking with them through difficult moments.
How did you discover your passion and what opportunities have helped shape your curiosity for what you do?
My passion for conservation and science started with trips to the local zoo, botanical gardens and science center growing up. My family would go to one of these places almost every week, allowing me to get involved in the sciences at an early age. Seeing how scientists could work in labs and work to educate others about science really inspired me as a kid. This instilled in me the want and need to be an inspiration to other future scientists the same way scientists and educators were to me.
Looking ahead in your career, how do you envision continuing to incorporate generosity into your leadership style and professional endeavors?
Looking ahead in my career, I envision continuing to incorporate generosity into my leadership style and professional endeavors by my continued efforts to volunteer in science education and conservation. Unfortunately, I am currently unable to work in the field at the capacity that I would like. However, I refuse to let this stop me from pursing my passions. I will gladly donate my time to volunteer in the field, and I see myself continuing to do that as I grow and develop as a leader.
How has your community helped you professionally? Is there a friend (or Delta Zeta sister) that has been behind you every step of the way on your career journey?
My Delta Zeta sisters have always been with me every step of my journey. Delta Zeta sister Michelle Banish has been my mentor my whole career. Delta Zeta sister Danielle Shelton was there to support me when I failed two courses in college and later when I couldn’t get a job in my field. She did everything she could to help my job search, get my feet back on the ground and inspire me to keep moving forward. I would not be where I am today without Delta Zeta. Any time I feel lost or confused, it is my Delta Zeta sisters that I look to for support and guidance.
What does empowerment mean to you, and how have you worked to empower others in your career or personal life?
Empowerment means the ability to overcome the most difficult challenges in life. Delta Zeta has empowered me to have confidence in myself, take challenges and risks in my career field and to be the Delta Zeta woman that I hope to be. Every day in my career, I get the opportunity to empower students to pursue their dreams and passions. I am so lucky that I get to help cultivate the next generation of scientists. In my personal life, I have an amazing little sister (she is an Alpha Delta Pi collegiate member right now) that I get to empower to be the best version of herself and a great Panhellenic woman.
What does it mean to you to create an environment of belonging for others, and how do you carry that lesson into your personal and professional life?
It is so important that every person has a place where they feel like they belong. I work with many young women who are pursing a career in science who do not feel like they belong due to being the one of four women in a class of thirty men. I make sure to empower them and let them know that they belong in that career. They belong in a field that they have so much passion for. It happens too often that young women do not feel like they belong in spaces where they have a right to belong. I had strong women to lead me and instill a sense of belonging in me. I want to be that for other young women.