Women's History Month 2024 - Darci Roberts

Q & A with Darci Roberts

How long have you worked for the City? What do you do? 

I started working for the City in June of 2007 as the assistant to the City Prosecutor. After three years serving in that position, I was promoted to Court Manager where I have spent the last 14 years.

Who has been the biggest influence in your life? What did they teach you? 

I have had many mentors in my life, but, moving into a management position, I would have to attribute my success to Chip Larouche who was my mentor, director and friend. Chip gave me a lot of advice along the way, but the two most important things were: 1) Do not make too many changes too fast. Watch and see how things work before improving processes and work hard to make those improvements; and 2) Family is always first. No matter how much we have on our plate at work, if our home/health life is not functioning, then we cannot give our best at work. I am especially grateful for that insight.

Did you experience something that caused you to change your direction in life, for example, moving to a different state, going back to school, volunteering, etc.? 

I began my legal career working in a private firm for 16 years. After working for financial gain of the partners in the firm, I had the opportunity to switch gears and work with the public and interact with the citizens. I have never looked back. I do not think many people can appreciate working in the public sector if they have not worked in the private sector before. Work can be stressful, but every day I am surprised by the dedication of my colleagues and how hard they work for this community.

What is one thing you wish more people knew about women in the workplace? 

When I started my career, there were not as many opportunities as there are today for women in the workplace. There has been a shift in the acceptance of women in high profile jobs, management and respect amongst colleagues. We are smart, capable and are able to make positive changes in our community.

What advice or words of wisdom that would you give your younger self? 

I have always spoke up for what I believed in, even when I was younger. My only regret is not going to law school when I first started working in law. It always has been my passion, but I always made excuses why it would never be a good time. If I could go back, I would have sacrificed the time (and sleep) to fulfill that wish.

Do you have a woman that currently inspires you? 

Personally, my mom Twylia inspires me every day. She is the strongest women I have ever met. She has faced many hardships in her life, and has always made sure her daughters come first. I know if I picked up the phone she would be there for me in a second. I am always inspired by her dedication to fostering her relationships with others and her family. She made me want to work harder to provide a better life for my children.

My daughter also inspires me. Madeline is a 911 dispatcher for Washington County. I told her from a young age that she needed to create her own path and make sure to take advantage of every opportunity given to her. She definitely has and I am so impressed by her work ethic and love for her community.

Professionally, I have a group of smart, educated and successful women I get to be a part of. From being women friends being attorneys, lobbyists, managers, administrative staff, clerks, nurses, they do it all. I am very blessed by my friends and their dedication to make their community and their craft.

What would you tell young women who are just starting to work? What would you like them to know? 

Do not think you cannot succeed. If you put in the work, anything is possible. Gain as much knowledge from your colleagues and find a mentor who can help you grow both personally and professionally. And never be afraid to ask for what you want. The worst thing they can say is no!

What goes through your mind when you think of women who joined the workforce before you? 

When I think of women who have joined the workforce before me, I am thankful for the path they created for me to live out my work goals.

What does Women’s History Month or International Women’s Day mean to you? 

A world where gender roles are created equal. Knowing that women can be successful, celebrated and valued in the workforce and in life.

Photo: Darci enjoying a day on the water.