Bonita A. Robertson-Hardy is a workforce and economic development professional committed to connecting the public sector, private sector, and nonprofit communities. Through her work, she builds relationships, utilizes her voice to influence policy, and advocates for equity and opportunity in public and private organizations.

Prior to joining the Aspen Institute, Robertson worked at the Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF), the community foundation for 13 rural and urban parishes in the southeast Louisiana region. During her eight years at GNOF, she served as Director of Workforce Initiatives as well as Director of Civic Leadership. In these roles, she developed employer-led workforce partnerships to train jobseekers and incumbent workers, established an initiative to provide post-hire supportive services for employees at their worksites, led the strategic planning process for the equitable revitalization of an economic development zone within downtown New Orleans, and worked to support and catalyze progressive initiatives to promote growth and equity throughout the region.

A native of New Orleans, Robertson holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Healthcare Management from Howard University and a Juris Doctorate from Loyola University College of Law. She currently serves as a commissioner of the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority and as a board member of Louise S. McGehee school. Robertson is also a past fellow of the Association for Black Foundation Executives (ABFE) Connecting Leaders Fellowship Program. Robertson previously served as co-chair of Emerging Philanthropists of New Orleans and on the transition teams for Louisiana Governor Jon Bel Edwards and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell.

In her spare time, Bonita enjoys playing the ancient game of mahjong and the ancient and modern art and craft of cooking!