Donna joined the Magnolia 4-H Busy Sewers in Camden. Co. NJ in 1968. She participated in public speaking, citizenship, clothing, gardening, leadership, achievement, and served as a camp counselor. In 1975, she was invited to speak before the NJ State Legislature. She served as a youth delegate to the State 4-H Leaders Advisory Committee. She was a delegate to National 4-H Conference and earned a trip National 4-H Congress in Leadership. In 1979, Donna began her career as a 4-H Program Associate in Camden Co. Her responsibilities included working with the County Equine Leaders Advisory committee, recruiting and training leaders, giving guidance to clubs and events, and creating an alumni association.
In 1983 Donna became Asst. Director at the NJ 4-H Camp, which included rental group recruitment, facility maintenance, summer camp staff recruitment and more. She obtained a financial gift infrastructure upgrade from the Dean, and an award to establish a fishing program, among others. As a certified Shooting Sports instructor, she trained other instructors. Donna retired from Rutgers Extension in 1999 and relocated to Iowa as the Manager of the Iowa 4-H Camping Center. During this time she was awarded a NAE-HA Meritorious Service Award and was appointed to a USDA Program Review Committee evaluating Idaho 4-H. As NAE4-HA president in 1998-99, she initaited a Board Transformation process that led to adjustments for sustaining NAE4-HA.
