By Laura Onyeneho
Jasmine Robinson’s journey from teen mom to founder of the Collegiate Mom Coalition is nothing short of extraordinary.
The odds were stacked against her, but she defied expectations, shattered stereotypes, and created a movement championing the potential of student mothers. What began as a single pageant to offer scholarships to mothers in college has evolved into a powerful nonprofit organization that is changing lives, challenging societal norms, and inspiring a generation of women to dream big and break through barriers.
As a Prairie View A&M University graduate, the spark that ignited her mission came during a moment of exclusion that could have broken her spirit.
“I wanted to compete in the Prairie View University pageant,” Robinson said. “When you win, you get a scholarship, a full wardrobe, and the chance to represent the university.”
However, she was met with disheartening news. “I was pulled aside and told I couldn’t compete because I had children.” The news stung and was compounded by stipulations against being married, divorced, or having had an abortion.
“They wanted someone ‘pure,’” Robinson said with disbelief still evident in her voice years later. “I had a 3.6 GPA, but my motherhood made me ineligible.”
My mom went to college for one semester before dropping out, something she regrets to this day. I didn’t want to repeat that cycle.
JASMINE ROBINSON- FOUNDER, COLLEGIATE MOM COALITION
After Robinson attempted to challenge the rules and received no support from university leadership, her academic advisor gave her advice that would change her perspective: If you can’t join them, beat them.
A Movement is Born
Robinson created the Miss Collegiate Mom Scholarship Pageant in 2013. The pageant celebrated mothers pursuing higher education and offered scholarships with no restrictions. Over two years, the initiative awarded $6,000 to participants for childcare, professional needs, or even self-care.
“I didn’t want stipulations,” Robinson said. “Moms need flexibility—they might want to get their hair done or go on a trip, and that’s okay.”
The pageant sold out Prairie View’s auditorium twice, featured on the front page of the campus newspaper and marked the beginning of something much larger. As Robinson observed the needs of collegiate moms, she realized her work couldn’t end on stage.
“They needed help with credit recovery, budgeting, professional dress seminars, and more. So, the pageant evolved into a nonprofit.”
Robinson understands firsthand the challenges collegiate mothers face. Pregnant at 19 and a mother of two by 22, she defied daunting odds. Statistically, fewer than 2% of teen moms graduate college by age 30. Robinson earned two degrees by 23.
“It was about choosing my hard,” she said. “Life is hard, but I decided to work hard in school to make my future easier.”
Her mother and grandmother, both teen moms, had set a precedent she was determined to break.
“My mom went to college for one semester before dropping out, something she regrets to this day. I didn’t want to repeat that cycle.”
Robinson’s Collegiate Mom Coalition is a hub of resources, support, and inspiration today. The organization boasts a 100% graduation rate among participants.
“These women prove it can be done,” she said. “Motherhood doesn’t define your potential. You can be a mother and still achieve your dreams.”
Facing Stigma
Robinson’s journey wasn’t without its share of stigma. Society often dismisses teen moms as failures and collegiate moms face additional pressures. But Robinson met judgment head-on.
“I’ve always been one of those people—if you tell me I can’t, I’m going to can harder than ever before,” she said.
Faith and family played pivotal roles in her resilience. Robinson grew up with unwavering support as the first grandchild on both sides of her family.
“Even if we didn’t have much, I have always spoken life into,” she said. “That foundation made me confident in who I am.”
Her experiences have shaped how she mentors other mothers.
“Not everyone has that kind of support system,” Robinson acknowledges. “That’s why I remind moms: It will be hard, but if you keep going, it gets easier. Dropping out makes it harder to come back later.”
Robinson’s daughters are starting to grasp the significance of their mother’s work.
“They ask questions like, ‘Mom, why are you always so busy?’ But I tell them, ‘I’m building something not just for us, but for other moms too.’”
She beams when talking about their awareness. “They see me speaking on stages and organizing events, and I hope it shows them what’s possible. They’re learning that women—mothers—can do anything.”
The Collegiate Mom Coalition continues to grow, and Robinson has big plans. In 2025, she will relaunch the scholarship pageant as the Collegiate Mom Texas Pageant to broaden its reach. Her long-term vision includes expanding the Coalition’s programs to more campuses and creating a lasting impact on generations of student mothers.
Robinson’s story is one of triumph over adversity and a call to action. “Collegiate moms are capable, ambitious, and worthy,” she said. “They just need a little support to shine.”
Advocacy and Policy Work
In addition to her grassroots efforts, Robinson is committed to making a larger impact through advocacy and policy change. She has set her sights on legislative efforts that will directly affect women and families, particularly in the area of female reproductive rights.
Reflecting on her future in policy work, Robinson shared her involvement in the “Movement Mujeres,” a women’s advocacy group in Austin.
“I did a two-year fellowship with them. We went up to the capital and fought critical bills for women,” Robinson recalls. “One of the bills that stood out was introduced by former U.S. Senator Wendy Davis, who famously did a 16-hour filibuster to protect women’s rights.”
For Robinson, reproductive rights and women’s healthcare are central to her future advocacy goals.
“My main focus now, especially with the political climate shifting, is working on bills related to female reproductive rights,” she explains. “It’s heartbreaking that women are being denied access to abortions, and I’ve personally seen the devastating effects of these restrictions.”
Robinson, having faced the barriers of restricted healthcare firsthand, is passionate about fighting for policies that ensure women have control over their bodies.
“I’ve seen people die because they couldn’t get the care they needed, and others suffer simply because they can’t afford to travel for an abortion,” she said. “It’s critical that we change these laws so that all women have access to the healthcare they need, regardless of their financial situation.”
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