Many people know her for her roles in hit TV shows and movies, including Regina in “The Steve Harvey Show” and Tasha in “The Game,” but Wendy Raquel Robinson is a true force to be reckoned within the world of performing arts and community leadership, as well as the founder and director of the Amazing Grace Conservatory, a nonprofit theater program that provides opportunities for underprivileged children to explore their talents and develop their skills in acting, singing, and dancing. Her passion for empowering young people through the arts has earned a reputation as a community leader and mother figure to the children in her program, and her unwavering commitment to the next generation of artists and leaders has inspired countless
individuals to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in their own communities and beyond. As an actress, She brings her unique blend of talent, creativity, and heart to every role she takes on. As a community leader, she has proven herself to be a true champion of the arts and a shining example of what it means to use one’s platform for good. Although she may not have biological children of her own, she is truly a Mother to many. We are honored to feature and celebrate Wendy Raquel Robinson’s incredible contributions to the world of performing arts
and to our youth and community as a compassionate Mother figure of many.
Q: How did you first get involved in mentoring and working with kids in the performing arts, and what made you establish Amazing Grace Conservatory?
Wendy: I worked as an instructor at Crossroads Arts Academy, owned by acclaimed actress Marla Gibbs. The school eventually closed its doors, leaving behind a community of heartbroken children with dreams deferred. I couldn’t bare to let that happen, so a friend and I worked hard to develop our own performing arts program, Amazing Grace Conservatory (AGC). 20+ years later, AGC has touched over 10,000 students.
Q: As someone who does not have biological children, how do you approach your role as a mother figure to the kids in your program?
Wendy: I approach them from an authentic place. Our students come from every walk of life, but they ALL have a passion for the arts; that makes it an even playing field. AGC is a place where EVERYONE is FAMILY, and I often find myself standing in the gap as a mother figure, big
sister, and mentor in the lives of many of our students. It is humbling to create a home away from home for such deserving youth who are often overlooked.
What do you hope the children in your program will take away from their experience with you as a mother figure and mentor?
Wendy: I just pray that they remain genuinely good people: kind, respectful, confident and out of the box thinkers! We encourage our students to be artists/scholars who keep education a priority as they grow and develop personally and in their craft. A true artist studies, practices, and learns continuously. So, my hope is that they will be inspired by their instructors to continue to pursue their dreams, even after they have completed our program at Amazing Grace Conservatory.
What advice would you give to parents working in the entertainment industry who don’t have much time to spend with their children as they would like?
Make time! In my years of navigating through relationships and balancing my career I’ve learned that you have to be very intentional at prioritizing the people who matter the most in your life. Your children deserve your undivided attention, and there is always a way to find time to get to know them, learn their interests, meet their friends, and engage with them. Even just one to two hours of dedicated time each week can make a world of difference to them and you.