It’s lunchtime at Cafe Reconcile — a mainstay on Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard — where the tables are full of patrons enjoying New Orleans cuisine: heaping plates of red beans and rice; a chicken, sausage and okra gumbo that is better than your grandmother’s (but don’t tell her) and tantalizing po-boys and daily plate specials, which can include a fried chicken sandwich.
That last item on the list is what Monique Robinson, LMSW, Reconcile New Orleans’ chief program officer, recommends, though a discussion still ensues about what to get, because it’s all good. After some debate, orders go in — I get the red beans and rice with fried catfish, Robinson the gumbo, we split crab cakes.
Robinson, who manages the youth workforce development program and Beyond Hospitality career pathway initiatives, is not only an unabashed fan of the Cafe Reconcile food, but of its staff and interns.
She is also their advocate. Reconcile New Orleans, of which Cafe Reconcile is a part, offers a free earn and learn 14-week workforce development training program, open to young adults ages 16-24 from New Orleans. The goal is for youth to explore and discover their talents in preparation to enter the city’s workforce — not only in the hospitality field, but other industries such as healthcare, construction or education. While in training, youths can tap into services such as career counseling, career exploration, externships, mentorship and post-program support for 12 months.
Supporting youth is important to Robinson, who moved around as part of a military family. Robinson arrived in New Orleans as a 17-year-old, her senior year in high school; her mom was in the Navy and had been relocated to the New Orleans Naval Station on Poland Avenue.
Robinson lost her father to suicide years earlier. “It was a life-changing experience that set me on this path,” she says. “During that incredibly difficult time, I was supported by amazing social workers and teachers. They instilled in me the value of paying it forward because I could never truly repay what they gave me. That experience shaped my purpose and commitment to giving back.”
Robinson adds, “Giving back is how I honor the people who uplifted me when I needed it most. It’s a way to ensure others have access to the support and opportunities that can transform lives. It’s also how we build stronger, more equitable communities where everyone can thrive.”
After graduating from West Jefferson High School, Robinson went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in mass communications at Louisiana State University and a masters of social work from Southern University at New Orleans.
Robinson has more than 20 years’ experience in workforce development including direct services and program management. She has expertise in youth development, reentry and career pathways with an explicit focus on equity, Opportunity Youth (OY) and individuals impacted by the criminal legal system.
Prior to Reconcile, Monique was the senior director of Talent Solutions at New Orleans Business Alliance (NOLABA) and worked in the Mayor Mitch Landrieu administration as a youth program analyst at the City’s Office of Workforce Development focused on innovation and system transformation.
Currently, Robinson is focused on initiatives that support youth empowerment and equitable access to opportunities across New Orleans.
“One project I’m particularly passionate about is advocating for the expansion of the Youth Master Plan, a community-driven framework that ensures young people have a voice in shaping their future,” says Robinson. “This work involves collaborating with young people, their families and other local organizations to address gaps in resources and build pathways for success for youth throughout the city. It’s about creating systemic change that uplifts the entire community.”
She is the chair of the New Orleans Children & Youth Planning Board (CYPB) where she was instrumental in the implementation of the Youth Master Plan. “It’s meaningful because it centers youth voices and creates sustainable change to empower the next generation,” says Robinson.
The New Orleans Youth Alliance (NOYA) is another organization she is closely aligned with because of its unwavering commitment to uplifting young people and centering their voices in decision-making processes, she says.
“NOYA works to create equitable opportunities for youth by building the capacity of organizations that serve them and advocating for systemic change. Its holistic approach to youth development aligns with my belief that when we invest in our young people, we’re investing in the future of our entire community,” notes Robinson.
This includes investing in more equitable access to education and youth-centered activities outside of sports, develop home-grown talent for the now and future workforce, and make affordable housing a tangible goal, she notes.
“Strengthening infrastructure, addressing public safety through community-focused initiatives, and expanding mental health resources would also create a stronger foundation for residents. Additionally, fostering collaboration between public, private and nonprofit sectors can ensure that solutions are sustainable and inclusive for everyone in the city,” she adds.
When asked about mentors, for philanthropy she names Karen Evans, the former executive director of the New Orleans Children & Planning Board: “She really helped me understand the power of collaboration,” says Robinson. During her time in the Landrieu administration, Robinson says she was guided by Ashleigh Gardere, a senior leader who emphasized the importance of equity in public service and philanthropy.
Robinson is here to stay. “What I love most about New Orleans is the rich culture and deep sense of community. I grew up as a military child so I moved around a lot and never felt part of a community until living here. My adult life is in New Orleans,” says Robinson. “The city has a unique blend of traditions, music, food and community that creates a vibrant and welcoming environment. Having lived here since 1992, I’ve seen firsthand how people come together to celebrate, support one another and preserve what makes this place special.”
