Dr. Natalya Bannister Roby, President and Chief Executive Officer of Episcopal Children’s Services, initially thought she wanted to pursue a career as an attorney. However, a life-changing experience changed her pathway.
While serving as a student volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club of North Central Florida, Roby was talking with a six-year-old in the program. When Roby shared she was a University of Florida student, the young girl did not believe her and asked Roby to prove it. “I didn’t think brown people went to college,” the girl said.
“It broke me when she said that,” said Roby. “UF was located just a mile away and she thought it was out of her reach. It made me realize that I wanted to be an advocate, fight for single parents and children in poverty, and impact children and the ecosystem.”
Roby joined Episcopal Children’s Services in January 2024. One of the largest youth services nonprofits in Florida, ECS helps nearly 30,000 underserved children in 14 counties in northeast and central Florida. The program offers holistic family services and builds a strong foundation for educational success. In her role, Roby leads ECS’ strategic vision and day-to-day operations, collaborating with the ECS team to craft innovative strategies to break generational cycles.
“By exposing kids to a safe, loving environment, and giving parents the tools they need, we are setting them up for success,” Roby said. “This approach can change the landscape of our community.”
Prior to joining ECS, Roby led center operations in Florida for Pace Center for Girls’ national office. She previously served as executive director of Pace Center for Girls Alachua. She began her career at the Boys & Girls Club where she interned. Roby appreciates the power of internships and volunteering to support career development, as well as the importance of mentors and mentoring, especially for women.
“I’m grateful for the mentors I’ve had,” Roby said. “I love to share my experiences with others.”
During her career, Roby has experienced numerous success stories including one that has gone full circle. The young girl at the Boys & Girls Club followed Roby to Pace and went on to college. Now a single mom, she has requested ECS services for her son.
“She wants him to have a better life with opportunities to thrive,” Roby said.
A first-generation American, Roby grew up attending private school in New York. When her parents divorced, she moved to Orlando with her mother and experienced poverty.
“I never lose sight of these experiences,” Roby said. “I understand the population I serve and the challenges they face.”
Roby earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Florida, and a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida. Her dissertation explored “Triumph over Trauma.”
“With persistence and resilience, many people have used their trauma as a catalyst for success,” Roby said.
Roby is known for her leadership philosophy, as shared in her TedxUF talk, which emphasizes “The Power of Leading with Love.” She believes her mission is to spread love through her work by ‘showing up’ for the children, families and staff she serves. As a leader, Roby is committed to fostering positive, inclusive and compassionate work environments and relationships.
“I believe it’s important to do something that’s meaningful to you,” Roby said. “It’s about taking care of people and making sure they feel valued.”
