Donna is a native North Carolinian from the Triad. She holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from UNCG. Her career began as an academic adviser at her alma mater. After leaving higher education, Donna held a variety of positions before taking a leadership training position with Food Lion.

At Food Lion she facilitated training for the Store Manager College, and it was through this experience that Donna found her passion for effective leadership development and also became a member of ASTD! Donna made a career move that led her to her current employer, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and the R3 Center, a start-up career center serving unemployed and underemployed individuals.

Her favorite aspect of her current position is providing career development workshops to participants. While this position has its rewards, Donna is eager to return to leadership development which is her true passion. She encourages everyone to follow their passion.

A favorite quote of Donna’s is: “To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself."   Søren Kierkegaard