Penn Hills woman recognized for decades of volunteerism to promote literacy

Kimberley Robinson grew up with reading being a fundamental skill in her household. Almost every day she and her brother were charged to learn new words, knowing the definitions, using them in sentences and comprehending their meanings.

In her adult years, she has followed her mother’s lead of teaching the value of learning and comprehending literature.

“When I had my own children, I saw the curriculum in schools had changed drastically. There was not a lot of emphasis on comprehension, It disturbed me,” said Robinson, 70.

Because of the resources she was given as a child and the ones she passed to her children, she felt a responsibility to help improve people’s learning experience, thus beginning a more than 20-year career as a volunteer tutor.

Robinson’s efforts were recognized in April when she was named the 2025 Outstanding Volunteer of the Year by the Pennsylvania Association of Adult Continuing Education for her volunteer work with Literacy Pittsburgh.

The Penn Hills resident has tutored more than 100 adult students during her 20 years of volunteer service at Literacy Pittsburgh. She teaches reading skills and prepares students for the GED test.

“Kimberley’s ‘each one, reach one, teach one’ approach has made a lasting impact on our community,” said Lisa Morse, the Pittsburgh East program coordinator, in a statement.

Morse nominated Robinson for the award after both women received an email from the association requesting nominations.

“Kimberley’s dedication to education, her artistry and her unwavering community support make her an outstanding volunteer,” Morse said.

Robinson found out she won when she received an email in April. Since it was close to April Fool’s Day, she thought it was a prank. When she found out it was legitimate, Robinson shouted with joy.

“This award is one of the highlights of my career,” Robinson said.

Robinson said she felt she was able to honor her family’s legacy by using the tools her now-deceased mother, father and brother equipped her with to receive the award.

“I wish my parents and my brother had been here to witness it. It doesn’t matter how you old are. If you believe in yourself, believe in what you’re doing, all things are possible,” she said.

In addition to the award, she received a proclamation from the Penn Hills manager, Pittsburgh mayor and her state representative.

Aside from tutoring, Robinson always worked in a profession that helps people. She has taught and worked with people of all ages. She retired at 50 from a supervisor position at a children’s home to take care of her mother.

“I’ve worked in a capacity of a teacher or caretaker at every phase of my life,” Robinson said. “It’s not a job. It’s a calling.”

Robinson has maintained a level of determination throughout her tutoring career. She always asks her students how badly they want to learn. She centers her teachings on the foundation of patience and the understanding of how busy life can get for her and her students.

“I always say my job is to reach one and teach one and that’s never going to change,” she said. “As long as I’m capable and able, I’ll never stop doing that.”

Robinson also has an affinity for the arts. She is a poetic orator and an artistic expressionist. Her poetry has been featured at numerous outlets, including the Penn Hills Library, and her artwork has been displayed and sold at festivals across Pennsylvania and in other states. She hopes to see her artwork in a museum one day and currently is working on a book of poetry.

As the founder of Kiyamma Consultants of Pittsburgh, she combines her creativity with a passion for empowering others. She is a member of the Harriet Tubman Guild. After graduating from Peabody High School and being part of Carnegie Mellon’s precollege education program, Upward Bound, Robinson continued her education at Connelly Trade School and the Community College of Allegheny County. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in legal studies from the University of Pittsburgh.