Vivian Robinson

Vivian Robinson was born in Fort Gordon, Georgia into a military family. Her formative years were spent living all over the country as well as Africa and Germany. She graduated Cum Laude from Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a minor in Biology. That was followed by a Master of Social Work degree from Southern Illinois University. 

In 1980 Vivian started public service with the Department of Children and Family Services. She spent her 36-year career helping train foster parents and improving the quality of life and education for underserved youth. Vivian received the Congressional Angels in Adoption Award in 1999. During her time at the Department, there was a significant increase in adoptions and programs to reduce child abuse were strengthened. Vacation and other benefit time were spent assisting orphanages in China and Southeast Asia. Vivian also held various positions, including President, in AFSCME Local 1048 helping protect the rights of State workers. 

Vivian has lived in downstate Illinois for the past 40 years. She has twelve children, eight by adoption from orphanages in Southeast Asia. Vivian serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for abused or neglected children and continues to train child welfare advocates.