Prior to joining the LBJ School, Robles worked as an economist for the U.S. Congress Joint Committee on Taxation from June 1995 to August 1997. Her other professional experience includes teaching at the University of Colorado-Boulder, econometrics consulting, and statistical consulting. She currently sits on the Board of Economists for Hispanic Business, Inc.

She is the author of Women in the U.S.: An Economic Profile, Finance Capital in Dynamic Factor Demands, and Credit, Money, and Production: Empirical Evidence. She is currently working on articles on ethnic consumers, minority small businesses, and the microlending and banking issues for women and ethnic small businesses.

Robles teaches a course in public financial management and a seminar on Latinos and Public Policy Issues.