DIFFA Board of Directors Announces Dawn Roberson as New Executive Director

June 19, 2018 (New York City) — After an extensive search, the Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Dawn Roberson as Executive Director at DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. Roberson will commence duties effective June 6.

“We are excited to have Dawn take on the role of Executive Director at DIFFA,” says Cindy Allen, Board Chair. “Dawn has the boundless energy, passion, and knowledge required to lead the organization in its charge against HIV/AIDS. Her contributions at DIFFA the past five years have helped the organization grow in both measurable and immeasurable ways. The Board was highly impressed with Dawn’s capabilities and strategic plan for the organization and is confident about its continued success. Three cheers for DIFFA with Dawn at the helm!”

Roberson brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in fundraising, partnerships, event management and brand marketing to her position as Executive Director. Previously, Roberson served as the Corporate Marketing Manager at Abigail Kirsch Catering where she created and implemented marketing strategies for six New York venues. She later joined DIFFA as Event Director, where she successfully executed the Foundation’s local and national fundraising events. During her tenure at DIFFA, Roberson not only helped secure thousands of dollars in sponsorships to support DIFFA’s signature fundraisers and grant-making efforts but also re-imagined and significantly grew attendance at Picnic By Design and DINING BY DESIGN. A visionary and innovator, Roberson launched DIFFA’s first grant reception—Thanks for Giving—which united more than 200 DIFFA supporters and grantees.

“I am proud to serve as Executive Director at DIFFA and usher the organization into its next chapter of success. Working to support DIFFA’s mission over the past five years has been a fulfilling experience as we grant funds and support dozens of organizations nationwide fighting HIV/AIDS. With support from the Board, DIFFA team and our community of supporters—our efforts will only continue to increase as we focus our support on critical areas of need in the communities we serve,” said Roberson.

Dawn Roberson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication – Marketing and Advertising from San Diego State University.

About DIFFA:

DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS raises awareness and grants funds to organizations that fight HIV/AIDS by providing treatment and direct care services for people living with or impacted by the disease, offering preventative education programs targeted to populations at risk of infection, or supporting public policy initiatives. DIFFA is one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the United States, mobilizing the immense resources and creativity of the design community. Since its founding in 1984, DIFFA has emerged from a grassroots organization into a national foundation based in New York City with chapters and community partners across the country that, working together, have provided more than $43 million to hundreds of HIV/AIDS organizations nationwide. www.diffa.org.