Originally from Baltimore, MD, Donna joined the Marine Corps to get out of the inner city. She'd witnessed too many bad things growing up and was scared she'd get caught up, like so many of her school friends, in drugs, crime, early pregnancy, etc. Donna served as a print journalist, photographer, media coordinator, administrator and a few other official duties. She also taught rappelling and, because she could fire the M16A2 well, the Corps often had her at the firing range helping Marines qualify.

Donna served just over 13 years of active duty and nearly 10 as a reservist. She was activated during Desert Storm, and although she didn't get to theatre, she was away from her infant son for more than five months. In mid 2005, Donna was sent to Djibouti, Africa, to serve as media coordinator. As such, Donna, escorted various news reps and 'toured' 11 different countries in the region, including Ethiopia, Yemen, and Uganda. Donna was moved significantly by the issues she faced and circumstances she witnessed.

Donna participated in a Combat Paper workshop in Cleveland, OH, in 2009 and later joined in the Combat Paper residency in Key West. Donna was so affected by the process of tearing her uniform, beating it to pulp and creating art, that she envisioned a similar project which would also include civilians. With the help of a few others and a local grant, Donna created Paper Bridges and, like Combat Paper, Donna conducts workshops for veterans and others who've experienced conflict, trauma or other stressful events that affect them in a profuse manner.

Donna currently runs a successful marketing/web design business (www.aradise.com) with her husband, Tony, and takes every opportunity she can to make paper.