Biography

Throughout her life Roberta has worn many different hats, from community activist to teacher, consumer advocate to mother. Today, Representative Willis is serving her sixth term as State Representative for the 64th District representing the towns of Salisbury, Sharon, Goshen, Cornwall, and Torrington. She is the Co-Chair of Higher Education and Employment Advancement and a member of the Appropriations Committee and the Environment Committee.

Roberta began her career as a legislative aide and political organizer. Later, her voice was heard as a radio show host, and in the classrooms of the Region 1 -School District. In 1989, Roberta founded the children’s environmental health organization, Mothers and Others for a Livable Planet, a national advocacy group that grew to 38,000 members.

Raised in the Northwest corner of Connecticut, Roberta has always been deeply connected to and concerned for her community. She is a past president and board member of the Housatonic Youth Service Bureau, a member of the Taghhannuck Grange No. 100, and a founding member of Board of Open Door, a soup kitchen serving the Winsted community.

Roberta has received state and national recognition for her dedicated efforts on several important issues. She was made an Honorary Member of FFA (Future Farmers of America) Housatonic Chapter in 1986. She is the recipient of many awards including:

• CITIZENS CAMPAIGN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
  2012 Legislator of the Year

• STATE FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION
  Appreciation Award 2009

• CT EARLY CHILDHOOD ALLIANCE
  Children's Champion 2009

• VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
  Distinguished Service Award 2009

• CONNECTICUT FARM BUREAU
  Legislator of the Year 2007

• NORTHWEST REGIONAL MENTAL HEALTH BOARD
  Legislator Award 2006

• CHARLOTTE HUNGERFORD HOSPITAL
  2006 Pink Rose Award for outstanding breast cancer early detection advocacy
  and commitment to the underserved women of Litchfield County

• CT ASSOCIATION OF HEALTH CARE FACILITIES (CAHCF)
  2005 Champion for Eldercare Award

• CONNECTICUT COALITION TO STOP UNDERAGE DRINKING
  2005 Outstanding Legislator Award

• LITCHFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CLUB
  2004 Woman of the Year

• CT LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS
  2004 Environmental Hero

• COUNCIL OF SMALL TOWNS
  2004 Legislator of the Year - Town Crier Award

• CENTER FOR POLICY ALTERNATIVES
  May 2004 Legislator of the Month for environmental advocacy

• CONNECTICUT COMMISSION ON AGING
  2003 Legislator of the Year

• CENTER FOR POLICY ALTERNATIVE
  2003 Fleming Fellow

• CONNECTICUT COALITION TO STOP UNDERAGE DRINKING
  2003 Outstanding Legislator

• AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION
  2003 Breath of Life Award

• CONNECTICUT WORKING LANDS ALLIANCE
  2002 Legislator of the Year for farmland preservation advocacy

• PRIME TIME HOUSE OF TORRINGTON
  2002 Community Service Award for mental health advocacy

Roberta is the host of "Capitol Connections" which can be viewed on Cable 5 and served as a member of Community Systems, Inc. Advisory Board and is a Corporator for the Northwestern Connecticut YMCA.

For the last 18 years Roberta has served on the Regional Advisory Council to the Northwestern Connecticut Community College, the Advisory Board for Sharon Hospital and is a member of the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council.

Representative Willis received Northwestern Connecticut Community College’s Alumni Award for Community Service. Roberta graduated with an AA from NWCC in 1975. She received her BA in political science from Vassar College, NY in 1979.

Roberta is the mother of four: Ben, Rebecca, Laura Trotta, and Faith Turgeon. She and her husband Bill reside in Lakeville. They have four grandchildren; Joseph and Wesley Trotta and Hannah and Andrew Turgeon.