Women of Grace: Meet Dr. Robyn Joppy

It’s been a while since I interviewed someone for the Women of Grace. You know, the series here on The Age of Grace featuring fabulous ladies over the age of 50 who possess a certain je ne sais quoi. Today, the latest Women of Grace:  Meet Dr. Robyn Joppy.

You may recall some of the Women of Grace beauties, my bestie, Cynthia, the singer, Lesley, the seamstress, Anita, the minister of style, Cathy and Sheila, the Silver Sneaker Fitness guru.

I met Robyn when both of us were clients at a local hair salon in Central Pennsylvania. Our paths recently crossed via Facebook, the social media giant that seems to connect everyone.

Dr. Robyn fits the Women of Grace profile. She is a woman of faith, is over 50, and is aging gracefully.  Robyn’s fit, healthy, and fabulous. Ms. Joppy is a Central Pennsylvania native. 

One Accord Consulting Firm, LLC - Dr. Robyn Joppy
Compliance and integrity, Dr. Joppy’s passions; she lives by the saying “Just because it’s legal does not make it ethical” and “Compliance and integrity matters; be your word!”

Robyn’s a gifted professional, dedicated her career to the pursuit of regulatory compliance and corporate integrity, Dr. Robyn S. Joppy, award-winning international speaker and best-selling published author, has more than 20 years of experience in respect and integrity with 15 years of international experience with non-profit human services organizations. Dr. Joppy also has experience working with both manufacturing and faith-based organizations.

Black Girls Rock

While the Vice President of Corporate Compliance and Integrity for an international social services organization, Dr. Joppy was responsible for crafting a fully-functional system of policies, procedures and reporting mechanisms including the Compliance Gazette, a quarterly newsletter for more than 3500 employees and senior executives.

During her tenure, Dr. Joppy completed the prestigious graduate certificate in Healthcare Compliance from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and co-authored One Company’s Perspective on Employee Education: E+E+E=E (Compliance & Ethics Professional, 2014). In July 2018, Dr. Joppy launched her first eBook: “Integrity Matters. Be your Word: Building a Sustainable Compliance & Integrity Program That Works.” The book, an Amazon bestseller. In June 2019, the paperback book released.

Black Girl Magic

With more than 300 workshops and keynote presentations, Dr. Joppy pursued her love of education and completed her doctoral degree in Leadership Management at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Additionally, Dr. Joppy received her master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) and a graduate certificate in Human Resources Development from Pennsylvania University (Penn State), and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Marketing and Speech Communications from Syracuse University.

Combined with her membership in the Health Care Compliance Association, Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics and the Northeastern Educational Research Association, Dr. Joppy is considered an expert in the areas of compliance education and training, human resource development, mentoring and coaching, and market research and analysis. Her knowledge of international health care policy and financing issues, compliance requirements, trends, legislation, and initiatives has served her well.

After working and serving many years in corporate America, Robyn leaped into entrepreneurship and founded One Accord Consulting Firm, LLC in June 2016 and Pearls Management in 2018. A native of central Pennsylvania in the United States of America, Dr. Joppy takes great pride as an active advocate for her profession with establishing and maintaining relationships across hospitals, community groups, providers and government officials. She was born in Harrisburg, PA and currently resides there. She enjoys expanding her horizons by traveling the globe and has the desire to visit every continent.

Knowledge is Power

Let’s get up close and personal with Dr.  Robyn Joppy, shall we?

You recently obtained your Ph.D. Did you find the advanced degree necessary in your field of Compliance?
Pursuing higher education was always a goal of mine. As I continued to grow and advance in the Compliance field, I realized a primary responsibility of Compliance professionals is education. When I consult with a company’s leadership, I always tell them this: If you want employees to follow the rules, you have to make sure you understand the rules. Additionally, when the rules change, make sure you tell them the changes.

One of the many things I learned from my years of experience is that people learn differently, so finding ways to create education and training programs that are enlightening, engaging, and educational are essential. It is crucial because the information people/employees need to receive can have a significant impact on an organization’s bottom line, reputation, partnerships, etc. Consequently, pursuing an advanced degree was the right and natural thing to do. The process allowed me to look at leadership, educational models, research, and technology on another level.

One Accord Consulting Firm, LLC

Please elaborate on your leap from the corporate world to being an entrepreneur? Tell us about your company, One Accord Consulting Firm.  What services do you provide?
One year before I left the organization, I knew I needed and wanted a change and was contemplating my departure. I was in my last year of graduate school and about to begin writing my dissertation, my father became very sick, and I knew he was going to need my assistance. If these vast concerns weren’t enough, some things transpired in the workplace that confirmed it was time to leave. I truly believe life is intentional because God is intentional.

Approximately three months after I left, I was contacted by a former associate and asked if I could do some consulting for their company. I said yes and the rest, as they say, is history, One Accord Consulting Firm was born. I have not looked back; I am exactly where I should be.

One Accord Consulting is a privately-owned consulting firm specializing in developing, revising, and implementing compliance and integrity plans. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, our team consists of corporate compliance experts and professionals dedicated to helping you develop a program that will bring your business to the next level.

Black Girls Travel Too

One Accord places particular emphasis on establishing a long-term relationship with its clients, based on mutual understanding, trust, respect, and transparency. We believe in working with, as well as for, you and recognize the importance of being in accord with every one of our clients. In turn, this enables us to create customized compliance programs, tailored to your organization and its ethics and company’s culture, and create a personalized plan that takes all facets of your business into account.

One Accord operates as a full-service consulting firm and provides a wide array of services including codes of conduct, compliance and integrity plans, compliance education and training, audits and investigations, human resource development, coaching and mentoring programs, documentation training and more.

Women of Economic Forum

How has your background in corporate America and non-profit as a Compliance authority contributed to you to become an international speaker?
My background in both corporate America and non-profit organizations prepared me for becoming an international speaker. I spent many years studying and learning everything I could about compliance and integrity. I knew the importance of understanding the laws and regulations that govern an organization’s business.

Moreover, I understood the consequences of not having a Code of Conduct, appropriate training programs for new employees, or protocols for handling unethical situations, to name a few. Moreover, I joined professional groups and associations that provided me with opportunities to speak and write articles. The more I talked on Compliance; the more opportunities came that ultimately led to me speaking on international platforms.

Integrity Matters. Be Your Word: Building a Sustainable Compliance & Integrity Program That Works by Dr. Robyn Joppy

You recently published a book, “Integrity Matters.  Be Your Word! Building a Sustainable Compliance & Integrity Program That Works” The publications is already a bestseller, how exciting.  How did this idea come about?

I learned quickly being on the international stage and going to various countries. Often, the first question I am asked (usually by men after they ask about my credentials) is, “Do you have a book.” Somehow being an author is seen as validating. I chose to write a book to share my experiences and expertise.

When I became a compliance consultant, I got to see how people/organizations failed to do the right thing and the repercussions. I wanted to help people and organizations develop and implement a stellar Compliance and Integrity Program. My book will set them on the right path; there is something in the book for everyone.
A Purple High Back Chair

I see you plan to attend The International Shades of Beauty Hair and Beauty Trade Show in Dubai on November 2019. What is your association with the event, are you a speaker?
I am the visionary behind International Shades of Beauty (ISOB) Hair and Beauty Trade Show and on the team. I will be there!

Women of Power, Men of Valor 2019 Event

We know empowering women at any age is important, tell us about your involvement with the Women of Power and Transformation (WOPAT) event in Philadelphia on Sunday, September 22.
The mission of WOPATT is to build up our community of women by empowering them in a safe and healthy environment to rise as leaders, to connect globally, and support one another mentally, spiritually, and economically for the greater good.

The event on 9/22 is called Women of Power and Men of Valor. This is a Power Mixer for Change Makers, Entrepreneurs, and Professionals.

World Traveler, Dr. Robyn Joppy


It is a known fact that you like to travel.  What are your top tips for looking stylish when traveling?
I like to invest in clothing that is of excellent quality, travels well, and comfortable.

Fit, fabulous, and over the age of 50

What is the secret to your exceptional style?
Thank you for the compliment! I get my style and love for fashion from my late mother and grandmother. They were the most stylish women I had ever seen. My mother taught me how to dress, pick the right clothes for the right occasions. She made sure I was comfortable with my body and taught me how to select the right clothes for my body type.

Compliance & Integrity author

How have you maintained a good size over the years? 
Being a woman, I know things happen to our bodies as we age; our metabolism generally slows down. It becomes more challenging to lose those last 5-10 lbs. I should say 15-20 lbs. I have a family history of chronic diseases on both sides of my family. It is incumbent upon me to eat healthily and regularly exercising so I can avoid pitfalls. I became a vegetarian ten years ago.

Central Pennsylvania Author

Has your beauty routine changed over the years?  Any special must-have products?
My skin is super sensitive and tends to be oily. As a result, I have to be careful with everything I put on my face. I have been using the same product line for years. I must have Proactive for the times my face breaks out; a great moisturizer is in a must.

Maintaining Health African American Hair, Dr. Robyn Joppy's Hair and Beauty Secrets

I know that maintaining healthy hair as we age is challenging. Your hair, oh my, just fabulous. Can you share any tips?
Thank you. My hair has gone through a lot and continues to do so. I have experienced cycles of breaking and shedding to being healthy and full. I make sure I keep my ends trimmed, get deep conditioners, and sit under the steamer two times per month. Additionally, I do not get styles that pull on my hair.

Women of Grace: Meet DR. Robyn Joppy

How has your faith helped you accomplish your goals in life?
My faith was and is the deciding factor for who and what I am and what I have accomplished. I know that God orders my steps. He gives me guidance and downloads. I have to remain faithful and obedient.

Integrity Matters

Central Pennsylvanians, come out and support Robyn at her official launch and book signing party, Wednesday, September 18 at 6:00 pm. You can and should register to attend at Event Brite; it’s free.  If you can’t participate in the local event, Amazon carries both the paperback and the e-Book

Robyn, thank you for the opportunity to connect and share your hunger for education, becoming an entrepreneur, the importance of integrity, your faith, and how you are aging gracefully.

Not many people are talking about integrity nowadays, do share your thoughts via Facebook comments or use of the Diskus App.

Post Update:

Harrisburg, PA Blogger, The Age of Grace, Eugenia Russell Hargrove with author, Dr. Robyn S. Joppy at her launch party and book signing event at Capital Blue Cross.
My neighbor and great friend, Margaret Wilson and I, attended Dr. Robyn Joppy’s Launch Party and Book Signing Event at Capital Blue Cross on Thursday, September 18, 2019.

As always thank you for reading.  Have a wonderful week.

Eugenia, Age of Grace