Women’s History Month Profile: Deborah Roberson
Since 1987, Women’s History Month has been a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society. It is a time to honor the women of the past and celebrate the great women of today who are working tirelessly to create a better tomorrow. Deborah Roberson is an incredible example of a woman who is doing just that and is a participant in both our Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) Incubation Academy and Elevate Black Leaders program.
Deborah is the CEO and Founder of T.D.D. Supportive Living Inc., whose motto is to “give the community a second chance” for those reentering society.
Founded in 2018, T.D.D. Supportive Living Inc. was inspired by Deborah’s own experience of being incarcerated. Deborah’s life was changed by a woman who was her case manager at a rehabilitation treatment facility who saw the potential in her -- she later became her sponsor and mentored Deborah for 20 years while serving the community together.
Deborah was tired of the same cycle in and out of incarceration and wanted something different for both herself and other reentering members of her community. In 2011, she purchased a multi-unit property, which was the start of her journey to breaking down barriers and housing those reentering society. Today, she owns multiple properties housing dozens of people, giving them the opportunity to live in a roommate setting, develop the life skills necessary to live on their own and maintain a sober and healthy lifestyle.
To Deborah, being a leader allows her to be part of the solution and use her voice and passion to assist the community facing the same barriers that she experienced. Her passion for helping her community gives her the strength to do this work, despite the struggles and roadblocks that come with being a grassroots organization competing with other groups for limited resources.
The LISC LA programs have only helped Deborah grow. The ATI and Elevate Black Leaders programs have taught her countless tips for being both a Black woman leader and a leader in the reentry housing space – giving her insight and a new perspective that has allowed her to make positive changes to her organization.
Through Women’s History Month and beyond, LISC LA is dedicated to supporting women and diverse businesses owners and ensuring that they have the tools they need for success. We are so proud of Deborah and her accomplishments and we can’t wait to see what she does next.
