Future Founders, a nonprofit building the nation’s largest inclusive community of intentional young entrepreneurs, today announced the appointment of Dee M. Robinson to its Board of Directors.
Robinson is a dynamic entrepreneur, board director, and author who has built and led innovative businesses at the intersection of hospitality, spirits, and social impact. She is the Founder & CEO of Robinson Hill, Inc., a successful airport concessions company, and GT Spirits Company, home to Good Trouble Bourbon – an award-winning, purpose-driven brand inspired by John Lewis’s call to “make good trouble.”
In addition to her ventures, Robinson brings extensive board leadership experience. She currently serves on the boards of Accel Entertainment, Wintrust Bank, KEH, PGA of America REACH Foundation, and Sites Smithsonian. Her impact has been recognized nationally with honors including HistoryMaker, Chicago United Business Leader of Color, WomenInc.’s Most Influential Corporate Director, Private Company Director Magazine’s Director to Watch, Diversity MBA Magazine’s Top 100 Women of Influence, Modern Luxury’s Dynamic Woman, as well as the National Civic Award from the Fellowship Open and the Catalyst Award from AMAC.
Beyond her business and board leadership, Robinson is deeply committed to civic engagement and cultural preservation. She currently leads the Blues Legacy Committee, an initiative dedicated to reclaiming Chicago’s standing as the global epicenter of Blues music. Under her leadership, the committee is driving a visionary effort that honors the city’s rich cultural heritage, fosters community pride, and reinforces Chicago’s international reputation as the birthplace of modern Blues.
Robinson holds an M.B.A. from Northwestern University, a B.A. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania, and an Honorary Doctorate from Kentucky Wesleyan College.
“Future Founders embodies everything I believe in—empowering the next generation, shortening the runway to success, and creating opportunities where talent and ambition might otherwise go unseen,” said Robinson. “Entrepreneurship is more than starting a business—it’s cultivating agency, resilience, and vision. I’m honored to serve and excited to help more young people design their own futures.”
Robinson’s path – from bootstrapping and scaling businesses to navigating industries often unwelcoming to underrepresented founders – has shaped her passion for mentorship and her commitment to opening doors for others. She brings deep empathy for the challenges young entrepreneurs face and a belief in the transformative power of entrepreneurship.
“Dee’s entrepreneurial drive, tenacity, and personal connection to Future Founders’ mission make her a remarkable addition to our Board,” said Scott Issen, President & CEO of Future Founders. “Her legendary journey is an inspiration to our community, and we look forward to working side-by-side as we make entrepreneurship accessible for all.”
Future Founders is building the nation’s largest inclusive community of intentional young entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial-minded leaders. Our programs immerse youth in experiences that inspire and empower them to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset and create their own opportunity. We believe this leads to a generation more determined, hopeful, and equipped as they engage the future. Since 2005, we have served over 50,000 youth, and our national 18- to 30-year-old founders have generated $400M in revenue, secured $300M in capital, and created 2,000 jobs. Join us as we empower the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs.
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