Friend of The Village, Danielle Robinson is the Head of Corporate Responsibility at DIAGEO, and a passionate champion of community and philanthropy. The Village spoke to the Norwalk local about her dedication to inclusion and diversity within corporations and across society.  

What is your main focus as the Head of Community Engagement and Partnerships?

• My main role is to ensure Diageo is engaged and connected to the communities where we work, live and sell in an authentic and impactful way. That may be through funding non-profits and community programs, or developing a strategic partnership with another corporation that can double our impact in a community.  I oversee brand and corporate donations as well as lead our flagship hospitality training program Learning Skills for Life.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

•  I find being able to train underemployed and underskilled individuals with a skill they can use for life – personally or professionally is fulfilling.  Seeing someone take our program and start a career in the industry is beyond rewarding.

What’s the biggest surprise you’ve encountered in the business world?

• The biggest surprise has been encountering the level of racism and disparities that can spill into the workplace.  When companies say, “Bring your authentic self to work,” that opens the door for a multitude of diverse viewpoints, opinions, experiences and unfortunately, biases. 

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned during your career? 

• I am still learning.  One life lesson never changes though: “It is better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one than have one and not be prepared.” So I am always absorbing information for the next unknown opportunity.

How do you coordinate your corporate role with the work you’re doing in the community?

• My vocation is also my advocation.  Championing equality, diversity and inclusion in everything I do.  That was my attraction to The Village.  The core mission of connecting people together for a common purpose is my life’s work.

What is your biggest 2022 community priority?

• Financial access and closing the generational wealth gap and health advocacy for our black and brown communities.  Developing and supporting opportunities to expand access to a quality education without shouldering tremendous financial burden and empowering the community to take control of their health.

Rapid Fire:

• Favorite music genre?: Hip Hop/R&B.
• Vacation Destination?: Anguilla.
• Favorite Book?: Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson.
• Go-To Cocktail? Ciroc vs. Sidecar up with a sugar rim.