Employee Spotlight: Manny Roldan

Why do you volunteer—why is it important to you?

I volunteer because I feel it’s great to feel part of the community and share my experience and expertise—also, selfishly, I feel gratitude and humility when I help and give selflessly.

Name an organization you volunteer for regularly and share your volunteer experience.

I volunteer with VADA, an art and design academy within Santa Barbara High School I was introduced to this org by Anna Demon, an accessories designer at UGG, a few years ago.

VADA is my go-to volunteering org, as they can benefit the most from my experience both as a student and in my career. I get to mentor kids, showing them the footwear design processes and engaging with the students and faculty about designs specifics, as well as education.

Most recently, I started working with the staff to edit their curriculum based on what we look for in a design candidate at UGG, as well as personal experience.

Last month, I volunteered at VADA’s fund raiser by speaking to the board and possible investors. I spoke to my education, career and how much this would have benefited me in my early school days. I also spoke about the presentations and discussions I’ve had with the kids and teachers.

My favorite presentation was when Ari Montanez, Alex Dann (UGG men’s design team) and I spoke to the teachers about our education path. All of our paths were so different, and many good questions came out that discussion, which helped form decisions on changing the curriculum for Fall 2021.

How has our culture of doing good at Deckers impacted your involvement in volunteering?

I feel supported by the Deckers Doing Good value. I think it allows me to free up my mind for mentoring and discussion; in return I feel serene, open and purposeful, which serves as a great detachment from my everyday (freeing up space to process and make better decisions!)