Britney Robbins

Founder and CEO, The Gray Matter Experience

Social entrepreneur and executive Britney Robbins is committed to investing in Black communities through access, education, and innovation. As a catalyst for social change, she leverages entrepreneurial values to maximize opportunities for economic inclusion. Since 2016 Britney has connected over 1000 Black youth to opportunities for economic advancement as the founder and CEO of The Gray Matter Experience, a non-profit dedicated to investing in the next generation of leaders through experiential learning, entrepreneurship education, and leadership development. As an adjunct professor at Loyola University's Quinlan School of Business, Britney has expanded her social justice framework by challenging students to prioritize community needs over profits. She is a proud graduate of the University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign and the Harvard Kennedy School for Strategic Leadership for Nonprofits and Nonprofit Management program.

An innovator within Chicago's business and tech community, Britney has partnered with some of the city's top venture capital firms and incubators. Most recently, Britney designed and spearheaded the Frederick Douglass Entrepreneurial Development & Leadership Institute (EDLI), a non-profit spinoff of the multi-million dollar Black-owned Capital firm and Accelerator, CAST US. EDLI is dedicated to empowering disinvested entrepreneurs to succeed with personalized connection to an ecosystem of resources and support.

Britney has been recognized as a trailblazer and champion for social justice by Essence, Ebony, Forbes, Chicago Bulls, and others for her significant contributions to the corporate, finance, and civic leadership communities. Aside from empowering communities, she enjoys outdoor activities, being a proud aunt to 12 nieces and nephews, and engaging in mindfulness practices that nourish her soul.