274: The Bail Project, Still She Rises, and The Bronx Defenders - Robin Steinberg

On this week’s episode of The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Robin Steinberg — attorney, advocate, and founder of The Bronx Defenders, Still She Rises, and The Bail Project.

Robin has spent her entire career fighting for justice and reimagining what public defense and true equity could look like in America. Her unwavering belief is simple but revolutionary: every person deserves dignity, humanity, and a real defense — no matter who they are or what resources they have.

In 1997, Robin founded The Bronx Defenders in New York City, pioneering a holistic model of public defense that addresses not only courtroom battles, but also the housing, health, family, and immigration issues that so often shape people’s cases.

She went on to create Still She Rises in Oklahoma — the first public defender office in the country dedicated exclusively to representing women. Oklahoma has one of the highest incarceration rates for women, and it became the backdrop for Robin’s bold vision: to provide women with holistic legal representation, recognizing that defending women means defending their families, children, and communities. Did you know that women are the fastest-growing population in jail and prison? Robin’s insights into women and incarceration are both powerful and eye-opening.

And in 2017, Robin launched The Bail Project, a national nonprofit that combats mass incarceration at its entry point: the cash bail system. The Bail Project provides free bail assistance and pretrial support to thousands of people each year who would otherwise remain jailed simply because they cannot afford bail — ensuring that freedom isn’t determined by the size of someone’s bank account.

In this episode, you’ll hear:
✨ Robin’s journey to becoming a passionate advocate for justice;
✨ The story behind The Bronx Defenders and the holistic defense model she pioneered;
✨ Why she launched Still She Rises and how it’s transforming the lives of women in Oklahoma and beyond;
✨ The devastating impact of cash bail and how The Bail Project is working to end it;
✨ Robin’s insights into women and incarceration — and why they are the fastest-growing population in jail and prison;
✨ And so much more!

Follow The Bail Project on Instagram @bailproject and visit TheBailProject.org
Learn more about Still She Rises: StillSheRises.org
Learn more about The Bronx Defenders: BronxDefenders.org

Buy Robin's book The Courage of Compassion. Her upcoming book The Bail Trap will be available through The New Press.

Don’t miss this powerful, thought-provoking, and inspiring conversation — and so many others! Listen to The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and be sure to subscribe to stay up-to-date with our latest episodes.

✨ Join the movement to empower women and girls — and change the world, one story at a time.
For more information, visit: 1GirlRevolution.com