Biography:
Robin Maxkii (born November 8, 1990) is a Native American technology activist, filmmaker, and writer. She is best known for her work in broadening the participation of Native Americans in education and technology. Maxkii’s diverse background, featuring Stockbridge-Munsee, Navajo, Mohican, and Spanish descent, has shaped her dedication to addressing the digital divide and promoting access to technology in rural and underserved communities.
Maxkii’s passion for technology began at a young age when she taught herself to code using public library computers. From the age of eleven, she started running various websites utilizing free web hosting services. Her early exposure to technology sparked her interest in leveraging it as a tool to empower marginalized communities.
In 2014, Maxkii graduated from Diné College, a tribal college, and later pursued her education at Salish Kootenai College on the Flathead Indian Reservation. During this time, she made significant strides in her activism. Her blogging network, Blood Quantum Reform, garnered attention and was shortlisted to join the United Nations Global Partnership for Youth. Through her blog, Maxkii raised awareness on issues within Indian country, including blood quantum, education access, and tribal sovereignty.
Around the same period, Maxkii co-produced and narrated a segment of the Navajo Oral History project, which is now archived in the Smithsonian Institution. This project aimed to preserve and showcase the rich oral traditions and histories of the Navajo people, highlighting their cultural heritage.
In 2015, Maxkii was invited to introduce Dr. Jill Biden at a national conference. Dr. Biden praised Maxkii’s writing and encouraged people to read her work. This recognition further propelled Maxkii’s advocacy efforts in the technology industry.
Maxkii’s breakthrough came in 2016 when she co-starred in the Microsoft-funded PBS series Code Trip. This documentary series shed light on the diverse faces within the technology industry and served as a platform for Maxkii to rally support for events focused on American Indians in technology.
In November 2016, Maxkii organized and directed the first national American Indian Collegiate hackathon. This groundbreaking event aimed to address the digital divide and provide access to the internet for rural and underserved communities. It served as a catalyst for empowering Native Americans through technology and bridging the gap in digital inclusion.
Two years later, in 2018, Google produced and launched a documentary about Maxkii’s journey in technology, marking only the second time a living Native American was featured on the Google Homepage. This recognition highlighted the importance of diversity and celebrated Maxkii’s achievements in the technology field.
Maxkii’s impact extended beyond her own personal journey. She appeared on the Girls Who Code Sisterh>>d album, which featured tracks by renowned artists such as Lizzo, Tiffany Gouché, and DJ Khalil. This album aimed to promote sisterhood and inspire young girls to pursue careers in technology.
With her outstanding contributions, Maxkii was named an ambassador to the American Indian College Fund (AICF) in 2016. She actively worked with the ‘Think Indian’ campaign, which aimed to tell the story of how America’s 32 accredited tribal colleges and American Indian students are combining traditional Native knowledge with modern technology.
Through her activism, Robin Maxkii has become a trailblazer in the technology industry, inspiring Native Americans to pursue education and careers in this field. Her dedication to bridging the digital divide and empowering underserved communities has made a profound impact on society.
Awards:
– Ambassador to the American Indian College Fund (AICF) (2016)