Robin Maxkii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robin Maxkii
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Robin Maxkii in February 2016
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| Born | November 8, 1990 |
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| Years active | 2014–present |
Robin Maxkii (born November 8, 1990) is a Native American technology activist, filmmaker, and writer. She is well-known for helping more Native Americans get involved in education and technology.
Robin Maxkii was a co-star in a TV series called "Code Trip." This show was funded by Microsoft and shown on PBS. It highlighted how diverse the technology world is. In 2016, she organized the first national event for Native American college students. This event, called a hackathon, focused on solving the "digital divide" (when some people have less access to technology) and getting technology to rural areas. Later, in 2018, Google made a documentary about her journey in technology.
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About Robin Maxkii's Life
Robin Maxkii has a mixed background. She is part Stockbridge-Munsee, Navajo, Mohican, and Spanish. When she was eleven, Robin taught herself how to code. She used public library computers to learn. She also started many websites using free hosting services. In 2014, Maxkii graduated from Diné College, which is a college for Native American students. She later attended Salish Kootenai College.
Robin Maxkii's Career
Early Work (2014–2018)
In 2014, Robin Maxkii's blog network, "Blood Quantum Reform," was recognized by the United Nations. She used her blog to talk about important issues for Native American communities. These issues included education access and tribal sovereignty (the right of tribes to govern themselves).
Around 2014, while still a student, she helped create a part of the Navajo Oral History project. This project is now kept safe at the Smithsonian.
In 2015, she was asked to introduce Dr. Jill Biden at a big conference. Dr. Biden praised Robin Maxkii's writing. She encouraged everyone to read her work.
Maxkii had taken part in several hackathons before joining the "Code Trip" series. This show, funded by Microsoft, started in 2016. Robin and two other people traveled across the country. They interviewed many people working in technology. Maxkii used this chance to get support for events. These events focused on Native Americans in technology.
In November 2016, Maxkii successfully led the first national hackathon for Native American college students. This event aimed to help close the digital divide. It also worked to improve Internet access for rural communities.
Recent Work (2018–Present)
In 2018, Google created a documentary about her journey in technology. They released it for their 20th anniversary. This was only the second time a living Native American was featured on the Google Homepage.
Robin Maxkii also appeared on the Girls Who Code "Sisterh>>d" album. This album celebrated diversity in technology and sisterhood. Other artists like Lizzo and DJ Khalil were also on the album. It came out on October 11, 2018.
Work with Indigenous Rights
In 2016, Robin Maxkii became an ambassador for the American Indian College Fund (AICF). She started working with their 'Think Indian' campaign. This campaign shares how tribal colleges and Native American students are using old traditions and new knowledge. They are solving modern problems.
Maxkii has spoken out about differences in education. She has even spoken to the United States Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. She supports equal opportunities for all students of color, especially Indigenous students. She also appeared in ads for the College Fund. One ad was a billboard in Times Square in New York.
Robin Maxkii's Writings
Robin Maxkii has written for many publications. These include the Tribal College Journal and The Chronicle of Higher Education. She also contributed to Michelle Obama's Better Make Room campaign. She writes for various online websites too. In 2018, she received an award from the Native American Journalists Association.
Awards and Recognition
Her work has earned her many awards. She was invited to events at the White House during the Obama Administration. In 2016, she was nominated to attend the United State of Women Summit. This event, hosted by the White House, recognized her as a changemaker.
