Volunteer Spotlight – Roberta Dillon
Originally from New York City, Roberta came to California after being recruited by Citibank to go to San Francisco for a one-year gig. She enjoyed San Francisco so much that she decided to stay in California, spending seven years at Citibank. During that time, she developed and introduced a program for expatriates, starting specifically in Silicon Valley and even introduced the Citibank package to other businesses.
After Citibank, Roberta went to KPMG, an accounting firm where she helped companies send people abroad and was at KPMG after nine years.
Roberta’s journey took a turn when she decided to step away from the corporate world. Tired of constant travel, she opted for a more relaxed lifestyle, doing contract work for eight years before finally retiring.
Despite her professional travels, Roberta never had the chance to truly immerse herself in the places she visited. In her retirement, she made a bold decision to explore the world, planning one trip per year to fully enjoy each destination. Her love for travel and sense of adventure are palpable in her stories and experiences. Her next adventure will take her to Japan.
When she’s not exploring the world, Roberta dedicates her time to volunteering, reflecting her selfless nature.
One of her current volunteer roles is at San Quentin. She’s volunteered there for seven years, supporting incarcerated veterans. Noting a high suicide rate among veterans, an inmate created a PTSD Trauma Group Curriculum, a peer-to-peer active participant program. Members are encouraged to share with each other, and Roberta supports two groups each week.
Roberta volunteered at the Buck Institute for three years before coming to Vivalon in 2016 to serve food in our café. She loved her time there and volunteered until November of 2023 and even still volunteers with the Thursday group on occasion. Her volunteer work brings her a sense of fulfillment and joy, and she truly enjoys the time she spends helping others.
With the opening of the new Healthy Aging Campus, Roberta was eager to try something new. When she was approached to volunteer as an A Matter of Balance Instructor (AMoB), she was thrilled. Now on her second class, Roberta’s eyes light up when she talks about the program and the wonderful impact it has. Her dedication and enthusiasm for the program are truly inspiring. Working in a mobile home community in Novato, she witnesses tremendous progress and is proud to have achieved 100% participation in her class. She finds great value in the program’s teachings of common sense, habit change, and the joy of learning.
Thank you, Roberta, for your dedication and years of volunteering!
What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Vivalon?
I have been a volunteer at Vivalon since 2016. Until 2023 I volunteered in Jackson Café every Thursday and had a ball working along side of what became our Thursday group. I decided to become a volunteer AMoB coach this past Spring, experiencing group learning, reviewing ‘common sense’ information and discovering that over time ‘we’ develop FALL-TY habits and the fear of falling, and within 8 weeks of exercising both body and mind amazing awareness brings about change. I am fortunate to have served, learned and have grown from each experience and have had a fun rewarding time.
Who is your hero?
I have had many HEROS in my life, each one at different times in my life, that have made lasting impressions, sharing their wisdom and growth opportunities with me.
What did you do prior to volunteering at Vivalon?
Before volunteering (saying yes by choice) to working in corporate environments (have to’s) I was involved in expatriate programs for multinational corporations, both sales, marketing, international relocation, Human Resources.
What is your favorite movie as a child?
My favorite movies are Born Free and Chariots of Fire.
What is your favorite family vacation?
My favorite family vacation is Fire Island on the south shore of Long Island for many, many years.
What would you change about yourself if you could?
I have been growing and changing for a long time and know that I will continue to grow and change and am privileged to be curious and seeing life as a gift filled with new adventures and opportunities.
What are some random fun facts about you?
A fact not known about me is that I am a happy great grandma to 11 children, who unfortunately live in Florida, but I do travel there a few times a year.
