We love putting different VOC volunteer leaders in the spotlight in order to recognize the inspiring work they do to care for Colorado's outdoors. In March, we are excited to announce Crew Leader Robin Donner as our Featured Leader!

Robin grew up in northwestern Illinois in a family of outdoor sportsmen where she learned to love nature and cast her first fishing lines at a young age. Vacations were to camping destinations in northern Wisconsin and the boundary waters above Lake Superior which also offered lots of wildlife viewing.

When Robin began a new job three years ago, she was given the ultimatum to move closer to Chicago. "I said 'thank you very much, but if I'm going to a major city, I want Denver and the gorgeous Rocky Mountains! It worked out, and here I am.'"

Robin's experience with VOC began soon after her move. The company whom she works for, Accenture, has a "corporate citizenship initiative" that offers its employees a chance to volunteer in their communities. At the time, Accenture had a corporate partnership with VOC, and its employees came out on a VOC project once or twice per season. 

"That year, I did three VOC projects, plus a trail building training," said Robin. "I enjoyed it so much that I returned the following year, coming out on four VOC projects in 2015."

After a while, Robin decided she wanted to learn and do more with her time. She attended the Fire Restoration Skills Training as well as the VOC Crew Leader Training. 

"What I love most about VOC work is the opportunity to get out to new and different locations throughout Colorado, that I might not venture to on my own," said Robin. "In my leadership role, I enjoy meeting like-minded people and learning their stories while working together to see a finished project. VOC gets me off the computer and out in nature!"

Professionally, Robin works as a business consultant. Outside of work and VOC, Robin's hobbies include skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, pottery making and other art-related activities, as well as volunteering with youth ministries.