The call came from an LSU alum, informing Donna that Lykes Lines was looking for liberal arts majors with strong communication skills. At first, Donna was skeptical about the opportunity, but something about it piqued her interest. She decided to take the leap and interviewed with Frank Baragona, who would later become a key mentor and advocate throughout her career. Frank was upfront with her about the challenges she would face, but he encouraged her to stick with the role for at least two years, explaining that the complexities of the maritime industry could only be truly understood with time. Six months later, Donna was captivated. She found herself drawn to the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of logistics, and she quickly realized that this was a career that would allow her to grow and make an impact.

Donna’s career in logistics took off as she moved to the Port of Charleston and, later, to Memphis in the early '90s. Memphis, along with cities like Chicago and Dallas, became critical hubs for inland logistics as ocean carriers began transporting goods deeper into the U.S. As Donna witnessed firsthand the economic boom that accompanied this shift, she became deeply involved in global supply chains and exports. She advocated for a stronger voice for exporters and became passionate about reshaping the logistics sector to reflect the growing influence of global trade. Her work became a model for women in the field, showing that logistics offers tremendous opportunities for women who are willing to work hard, persist through challenges, and push for change.

Early in her career, Donna was often one of the only women in the room, which posed its own set of challenges. She encountered skepticism from clients and had to prove herself repeatedly. However, she never saw these obstacles as barriers. When she moved to Memphis, she was initially offered a low-paying job, but instead of being discouraged, she used it as fuel to prove her worth. Within just two years, she managed to capture lions share of the market share in her city, demonstrating the power of hard work and determination. Donna’s story is a powerful reminder that, in the logistics industry, performance and results speak louder than gender.

One of Donna’s greatest passions throughout her career has been addressing and solving customer supply chain challenges.  She’s driven by the desire to always do better. She recognizes, however, that not every opportunity leads to immediate success. Yet, she stresses that each opportunity should be treated with importance, as it is part of the larger journey toward growth and success. In the logistics industry, women now benefit from the sacrifices made by trailblazers like Donna. Today, there is an understanding that if a woman holds a leadership role, it is because she has earned it and is qualified.

Throughout her career, Donna has advocated for more inclusive practices, especially when it comes to balancing work and family life. She encountered many challenges as a working mother, but she learned to communicate these needs in terms that resonated financially, helping to create more supportive environments for women in the workplace. She reflects proudly on how much progress women have made in the industry, particularly in how much easier it is for women today to balance their careers with raising children. Donna is proud of the example she set for her children, showing them that it is possible to succeed in business without sacrificing family life.

Looking back, Donna feels no regret. She acknowledges that not every effort was fruitful, but she is proud of the sacrifices she made and the progress she achieved. Her journey was driven by the desire to prove herself, and she never once took her foot off the gas. As she reflects on her accomplishments, Donna is grateful for the doors that her hard work has opened for future generations of women in logistics.

Sea-Land Sales Greenbriar meeting 1998

Despite the hurdles she faced, Donna always kept pushing forward. She was recruited by Sea-Land and entered the world of exporting cotton in Memphis.  She found Sea-Land to be an inclusive company that welcomed talent. collaboration and hard work, Her love for the company, the people and the business flourished.  Donna proved that success in logistics was driven by skill and dedication, not gender.

Today Donna serves as the Chief Commercial Officer for IMC, headquartered in Collierville, Tn.  It is here that she continues to serve the company in its national expansion and service of customers at every rail and port gateway in the nation.  She was drawn to the company’s entrepreneurial spirit, cutting-edge technology and its focus on people, particularly truck drivers. By listening to drivers and learning about their challenges, Donna was able to champion more industry efficiencies,  elevate the value of drivers and contribute to the company’s success.

Donna’s career was shaped by the guidance of several mentors, both male and female. Men like Cliff Pyron, Bill Kenwell, Neely Mallory and Mark George championed her talent, and in turn deepened her respect, knowledge and contribution to the business.  She also found mentors in powerful women like Sheila Bracken, who had a profound impact on her career. Donna firmly believes in the importance of women supporting other women, and she has worked to ensure that the next generation of women entering logistics has the same mentorship and guidance she received.

Donna has witnessed a significant shift in the logistics industry, particularly in the increasing visibility of women in leadership roles. Starting after 2010, she observed more women taking on key positions at conferences and in supply chain management. Donna believes the past 15 years have been pivotal in opening opportunities for women, as mentorship and support networks have grown stronger. She encourages women, regardless of their educational background, to consider logistics as a career, emphasizing that the field is now more accessible than ever. Women with an appetite for learning, whether in marketing, sales, or engineering, can find a fulfilling career in logistics.