Robyn Schapiro was diagnosed with a bilateral severe-to-profound hearing loss at the age of two. Her early childhood was shaped by a pivotal educational experience at the Central Institute for the Deaf in St. Louis, where she honed vital oral communication skills that allowed her to thrive in mainstream education starting in third grade.
Robyn’s passion for the natural world led her to pursue a degree in Geology at Vanderbilt University, followed by a master’s degree in Earth Sciences from the University of California at Santa Cruz. As a petroleum geologist at ExxonMobil, Robyn specialized in oil exploration, applying her analytical skills of seismic data to drive impactful discoveries.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Robyn has been a dedicated advocate for accessibility and inclusion, especially within the hearing-impaired community. She is active with Canine Companions, where she volunteers alongside her hearing dog named Ty and works to highlight the transformative role that service animals can play in fostering independence and security.
Since stepping away from corporate life to focus on family, Robyn has channeled her expertise and leadership into nonprofit work, serving on the boards of the National Charity Roundtable and multiple school PTOs. Her commitment to service extends beyond local organizations—she is passionate about empowering individuals with disabilities and ensuring they receive the same level of support and opportunity that shaped her own path.
Robyn resides in The Woodlands with her husband, Rob, and their two sons, embracing a life filled with travel and adventure.