For over three decades, Donna worked tirelessly as an auditor and investigator for the U.S. Congress (GAO). She achieved the highest rank of federal career civil service, the Senior Executive Service in 1978. Her areas of expertise are budgeting and national defense. Donna was a rarity when she began her career -- a woman in a man's field. However, she quickly set about changing that by supporting and encouraging other accomplished women to join her in that important work. Many women in public service in the United States today owe their start or their early recognition to Donna's trailblazing.
Earning her doctorate degree in public finance from George Washington University, she made it her business to use her connections to benefit women. Donna joined and soon became a leader of Executive Women in Government, a network of women who hold high managerial and executive positions in the Federal Government. While serving as President of that organization, she discovered TIAW, and brought Executive Women in Government in as a TIAW member network. Again, her willingness to get involved, her ability and energy shone out, and she was quickly tapped for leadership of TIAW.
Donna served as Treasurer, 1st Vice President and President from 2000 to 2002. The motto of her Presidency was "High Tech and High Touch," and that epitomizes her approach to TIAW.
Perhaps closest to Donna's heart, is the Microenterprise Development Program. Looking for a way to leverage TIAW resources and involve our member networks in rewarding philanthropic activity, Donna brought together a team to envision and create a program relevant to TIAW and its members, and thus was born the TIAW Microenterprise program supporting Microcredit loans for women in developing countries. The team, including Maxine Westaway, Virginia Robinson and Patricia Foley Hinnen, remain committed to improving economic opportunities for women whose poverty or lack of formal education does not impede their talents, ambitions and dreams. Forty village banks in fifteen countries and hundreds of women and families whose lives are more secure because of a micro loan and hard work are a fitting testament to Donna’s dedication and that of the TIAW Microenterprise Group.
Donna, we salute you for your tireless efforts.
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