Meet Margie Roberts, our Maplean of the Month!

Q: Where are you from?

A: Margie Roberts (MR): I was born in Quezon City, Philippines and grew up in Madaluyong City – Metro Manila. I graduated from the University of the East with a bachelor in Business Administration.

Q: What attracted you to work for Marin County?

A: MR – It was a blessing in disguise. In 2002, Citibank merged with California Federal Bank. I was offered a job outside of the Bay Area (Los Angeles, Seattle, Miami, Long Island or, Houston). In my search for a new job, I have five key requirements:

1. a 20-30 minute commute

2. Congenial co-workers

3. An organization that cares about its employees (believes in work-life balance) and gives back to the community

4. A comfortable salary and good benefits

5. I enjoy the work I do

Marin offers my key job requirements… it’s no wonder, twelve years later I am still working here.

Q: What do you like to do for fun outside of work

A: MR – I have many interests. I write a personal blog “Enjoying my path” by Adventures of MLovely. I also have a side business, Flower Arrangements by Margie. In addition, I love making hand-made tea bags. Every so often, I participate in the annual Marin county employee craft fair with my dish gardens or hand-made tea bags. I'm also an ordained minister so I can marry people. On weekends, I enjoy playing golf and riding my Vespa.

I love, love, love to travel domestically and internationally. In the past three years, I have participated in saving the sea turtles in Mexico (e.g., Cancun, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta). I have a National Parks obsession. I’ve visited: Grand Canyon (3-4), Channel Islands, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Yosemite (4-5), Lassen Volcanic, Redwood (4-5), Everglades (2), Hawaii Volcanoes (3-4), Haleakala (3-4), Zion, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Arches. My favorite national park is Yosemite, where I climbed the Half Dome before I turned 40. I have visited many other countries and cities, but there is no place like home - San Francisco.

Q: What do you hope to get out of MAPLE?

A: MR – I hope to continue the comradery of Filipinos during the holidays and extend it to all Asians, all year long. I also want to meet other Marin County employees in a non-work environment.

The interview was conducted by Jacalyn Mah on Thursday, September 25, 2014. Photos are courtesy of Margie Roberts.

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