“Why fit in when you are born to stand out?”
That is the Dr. Seuss quote Robin Didden has on her desk at work. And after getting to know Robin, it’s no surprise it’s her motto because she’s been standing out in Southern Nevada since the day she moved here. Bank of America brought Robin to Las Vegas in 2015, but it’s what she does outside of work that has kept her in this community. “I have a passion for volunteerism,” says Robin. The Senior Vice President for Bank of America Global Human Resources says her passion stems from her upbringing.
Her parents volunteered when she was growing up, and she credits them for showing her the importance of giving back and paying it forward to others. Robin has run Domestic Violence Awareness Workshops at the bank and volunteers at Safe Nest and Three Square. Notably, she is the past Vice Chair on the Board of Directors for Dress for Success Southern Nevada, the local affiliate of an international nonprofit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help them thrive in work and life. A board member for six years, Robin still mentors the charity’s clients by facilitating mock job interview training and resume coaching.
“Clients looking their best on the outside in professional clothes is just the beginning of building confidence. As local leaders, we work with them on developing skills to help them secure a job,” says Robin.
Robin’s fulfillment comes when she hears stories of clients who are still working in the professional world and providing for their families. During the holidays, the season of giving, she realizes not everyone has time to volunteer, and some prefer to donate money rather than time. End-of-year giving to nonprofits is top of mind for many during the month of December. Robin has a few tips for making your money go farther and end-of-year giving.
1. Ask your employer if they will match your personal donation to a specific charity.
2. Many nonprofits have Amazon wish lists where donors can purchase certain items for a charity rather than sending money.
3. Donate by midnight in your time zone on December 31st to get a tax break for the 2023 year. Refer to irs.gov for more information.
It is better to give than to receive, a lesson Robin not only learned from her parents but one she learned from her kindergarten teacher, whom she called “Nana.” Her teacher often read the book, “The Giving Tree,” by Shel Silverstein. Taken from Shel Silverstein's website, the classic poignant picture book cherished for more than 50 years is a moving parable for all ages that offers a touching interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return. Every day, the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk ... and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older, he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave and gave. This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation.
“I always give that book as a baby shower gift,” Robin says. “I love the story and how the tree is so generous, never asking for anything in return. The act of giving is the reward.”
The act of giving is the reward.
