Roberta Nelson-Walker has been involved in fund raising for nonprofit agencies for 30 years as a volunteer, director of development and executive director. She helped establish several public charities, public support foundations and private foundations. She also worked in the financial sector with Prudential Insurance as a professional helping individuals and family-held businesses achieve their personal and financial goals.

Ms. Nelson-Walker earned a master's degree in management of rehabilitation agencies from DePaul University. She grew up in New York, lived for many years in Illinois, and now lives in California. She has three married children and eight grandchildren.