From Girl Scout FLL Coach to Global Judge Advisor: Roberta's Volunteer Journey

When Girl Scouts introduced FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge to North Texas in 2017, Roberta jumped right in as a coach. She led two teams made up of her daughter’s troop members. With two groups of 4th graders participating in the Hydro Dynamics season, a brand-new volunteer journey began. What started as supporting her daughter’s troop soon grew into a deep and lasting commitment to FIRST in Texas.

Over the years, she has worn many hats: coach, mentor, judge, judge advisor, and now a member of the FLL FIRST in Texas Advisory Council. She recalls feeling heartbroken at the thought of saying goodbye to FLL Challenge when her daughter graduated. “It dawned on me that I didn’t have to stop volunteering just because my daughter was no longer involved in the program. From that moment on, I have enjoyed the camaraderie of the volunteer community and judging, and bringing excellence to FLL Judging has been my focus.”

(Roberta (second from left) with fellow Key Volunteers at the FIRST® LEGO® League MASTERPIECE season kickoff in North Texas, 2023.)

One of her most memorable experiences was attending the FIRST World Festival in Houston. Walking the pits and meeting teams from around the globe left her awestruck. “There it was, right in front of my eyes—living proof that this wonderful program is impacting kids literally everywhere around the world,” she says. She even wrote down every country she spoke with, a personal reminder of the program’s worldwide impact.

For Roberta, the most rewarding part of volunteering is watching kids immerse themselves in the program and enjoy it. As a female engineer, she takes special pride in encouraging girls in STEM. A favorite memory? Judging an all-girl team from South Africa at this year’s World Festival.

(Roberta (far right) stands with fellow judges at the FIRST World Festival in April 2025, just after judging Team Snuggly Ducklings from South Africa during the SUBMERGED season.)

Volunteering has also shaped her personally. “I have been fascinated and enamored with the principles of FIRST and what Dean Kamen has been able to build,” she reflects. “I am so appreciative of having found a program that provided me with a well-matched outlet for putting into practice my passion for STEM education even though I am not an educator myself.”

From Girl Scout troop coach to global judge advisor, Roberta’s story is a powerful reminder that volunteering with FIRST doesn’t end when your child’s season does—it can become a lifelong community, passion, and legacy.

Roberta, thank you for your years of dedication, passion, and leadership. You are helping shape the future of STEM and inspiring the next generation of innovators!

(Roberta (far right) with fellow volunteers at a Get Ready event in North Texas for the FIRST® LEGO® League SUBMERGED season, 2024.)