Sponsors secured by VSG led by Roberta Vigilance
Early career
Vigilance's first job was as a cashier in the late 1980s, where she gained early insight into customer behavior and purchasing patterns. She later moved into sales roles, developing her ability to present solutions clearly and confidently. From 1995 to 1999, she sold websites, refining her client communication skills and learning how to a
Vigilance's first job was as a cashier in the late 1980s, where she gained early insight into customer behavior and purchasing patterns. She later moved into sales roles, developing her ability to present solutions clearly and confidently. From 1995 to 1999, she sold websites, refining her client communication skills and learning how to align products with business needs.
In 2002, after relocating to Marietta, Georgia, Vigilance worked as an Account Executive with a staffing agency, selling workforce solutions to warehouse and distribution companies. This experience strengthened her ability to match business needs with talent and measurable outcomes. While residing in Georgia, she transformed her structured sponsorship steps into the first edition of her book, establishing the foundation of her sponsorship system.
She returned to New York in 2008 and began teaching groups her sponsorship process—the same approach that helped her secure both local and corporate sponsors. From there, she continued building systems, educating planners, and refining measurable sponsorship evaluation tools.
Trial and growth
Vigilance did not begin with capital. She began with passion.
She had $0 to produce her event, but she knew one thing with certainty—her audience aligned with major brands. She believed in the cause and was determined to make the event happen. So she did what made sense to her at the time. She approached corporate companies and asked if th
Vigilance did not begin with capital. She began with passion.
She had $0 to produce her event, but she knew one thing with certainty—her audience aligned with major brands. She believed in the cause and was determined to make the event happen. So she did what made sense to her at the time. She approached corporate companies and asked if they would invest in her event.
The answer was no. Over and over again. Her audience was right. Her proposal was strong. But companies told her they do not “invest” in events. At some point during those conversations, the word “sponsor” surfaced. It was a small shift in language, but she paid attention.
She made a deliberate change. Instead of asking companies to invest, she asked them to sponsor. The response changed. She began securing corporate sponsors. That moment shaped everything. She realized that alignment alone is not enough. Positioning alone is not enough. The right language unlocks results.
What began as trial and error became a system. What began with $0 became partnerships with brands including Adidas, Coca-Cola, Tommy Hilfiger, Modell’s, Rite Aid, and others.
Her origin is simple: no capital, clear audience, corrected language, measurable results.
And from that, a body of work was born.
Early life and education
Early life and education
Born in New York City and raised in Guyana, South America, Vigilance was influenced early by entrepreneurship. Her grandparents owned and operated a business and disco. Her father was a real estate businessman who also owned and operated nightclubs. Her mother planned and hosted gatherings at home. Business, events, and audience engagemen
Born in New York City and raised in Guyana, South America, Vigilance was influenced early by entrepreneurship. Her grandparents owned and operated a business and disco. Her father was a real estate businessman who also owned and operated nightclubs. Her mother planned and hosted gatherings at home. Business, events, and audience engagement were part of her everyday environment.
Vigilance attended New York City Technical College before leaving to operate her event planning business full-time in 1999. She later pursued business education at Hofstra University to enhance her instructional methods while continuing to advance her sponsorship expertise.
Vigilance is a mother, vegan, and loves music.