Donna is a life-long, daily learner and educator. She attended Carleton University as a mature student and earned a BSc in Psychology, Highest Honours, with a minor in Educational Linguistics. She then pursued her B.Ed with University of Ottawa, being certified to teach primary, junior and intermediate levels. She also has 30 years’ experience in the Public Sector. The highlight of her career was the creation of a Middle Manager Development Program – an 8-month learning journey of self-discovery and awareness, with an emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging. 

Donna also has several disabilities and a passion for promoting mental health. In 2019, she presented at the Canadian Mental Health Associations’ National Conference on A Mentally Healthy Workplace: Beyond Catalyst to Transformational Change. She was also a panelist (2021), a presenter (2022) and a cohost (2023) for the International Day for Persons with Disabilities virtual events. She wants to contribute to making the future better for her 3 grandchildren by speaking up and breaking down barriers to participation in society. A quote that resonates with her is from Dr. Susan David, Harvard PHd: “Courage is not the absence of fear, courage is fear walking.”