Robyn Kerkaert

Robyn Kerkaert, SPHR, CCEP, SHRM-SCP, CHPC, became CEO of The Sewing Labs in February 2023. Since joining the organization, she has led TSL through a period of growth, strengthened operations, and expanded community impact.

Under Robyn’s leadership, The Sewing Labs completed its first external financial audit and first strategic plan, secured capacity-building support, and continued to grow its role as a workforce development and creative community resource in Kansas City.

She has advanced TSL’s registered Sewing Salon Training Program, which prepares individuals for employment in the industrial sewing field, while also supporting the organization’s broader mission to preserve and share the legacy of sewing for employment, entrepreneurship, and personal enrichment.

Robyn has helped strengthen TSL’s partnerships with community organizations, workforce partners, schools, volunteers, and funders.

She has supported the organization’s efforts to expand access to sewing education, increase volunteer engagement, divert donated fabric and sewing machines from landfills, and create welcoming opportunities for students, artists, makers, and job seekers.

Before joining The Sewing Labs, Robyn served as CEO of Heartland Community Health Center in Lawrence, Kansas, and as Chief Administrative Officer for Variety Care, Inc. in Oklahoma.

Her career includes executive and senior leadership experience in nonprofit healthcare, human resources, compliance, quality, privacy, and operations across diverse industries.

Robyn holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Central Oklahoma and has pursued graduate studies in public health through Oklahoma State University.

She has earned certifications as a senior human resources executive, compliance and ethics professional, and healthcare privacy expert.

She has served on nonprofit boards and currently serves on the board of the Leavenworth County Humane Society.

Outside of her professional and community work, Robyn enjoys spending time with her husband and two stepchildren.

She is also an avid animal lover and shares her home with two chocolate Yorkies, Frodo and Samwise, affectionately known as her “hobbits,” along with a flock of pampered backyard chickens.

Through her work at The Sewing Labs, Robyn continues to champion inclusive workforce development, creative expression, sustainability, and community connection.