Donna is a graduate of Purdue University. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in the Professional Pilot Program of Aviation Technology in May 1986. She has been employed by United Airlines since April 1989. She has been a Captain since January 2000. Although currently flying the Airbus 320, she has also received type ratings on the Boeing 737, 757 and 767. For over twenty years she has been a guest lecturer and career day speaker. She is a Visitation Coordinator for Pilots for Kids and was a volunteer for her local hospice for three years. Donna was named to the Women's Board of the Adler in 2008.

In April 2002, Donna competed for and won the title of Mrs. Illinois International. She vied for the title of Mrs. International that August and placed 4th runner up. Since then, she has continued to support the International system through judging various pageants and assisting with the Illinois and International pageants.

Donna has been a vocal soloist since she was five years old, performing with her high school’s elite Madrigal singers and her university’s Purduettes. Since then, she has mainly dedicated her musical abilities to her church and community. Recently, she received her Purple Belt in Shotokan Karate. She and her husband, David, have been married since 1990 and reside in Wheaton, Illinois with their two children.