From just showing up and being unapologetically herself, Donna has never been afraid to stand up and disrupt. In her current role as SVP, Head of Media at Burrell Communications, Donna leads the agency’s media department. She is also responsible for McDonald’s National African American media planning, driving growth among the Black Gen Z consumer and dismantling barriers to economic opportunities for Black-owned media. Her work creates sustainable, mutually beneficial partnerships.

With over 25 years of progressive, hands-on experience in strategic, cross-platform media planning and buying across an array of industry categories including Advocacy/Non-Profit, Automotive, Entertainment, Government, Health, Packaged Goods, Political, and QSR.

Donna’s passion for Black culture and media drives her commitment to ensuring equitable access, representation, and financial investment. She takes immense pride in her work, connecting brands to Black consumers and working in a space where others are scrambling to find a voice. She believes besides economic security, and prestigious names there is an incomparable pride in being a part of a community with a goal of leaving the people of that community enriched and empowered because she was there.

Donna is equally passionate about bringing clients creative marketing solutions and always believes in blazing new trails. From providing opportunities for emerging Black artists to reach the masses to leveraging unlikely and unexpected guerilla media to engage hard-to-reach audiences, Donna loves bringing Fortune 500 companies to where the consumer is and finding new ways to speak to them. This work has landed Donna and her team prestigious industry recognition for best digital campaigns and creative use of media.

A graduate of Howard University and a Midwest native, Donna is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of advertising and media professionals, continuing the legacy of those who helped to nurture her career. She believes in empowering young people to lead. “I like to show them their own power and enable them to utilize their gifts and make it happen.”

Donna is the epitome of hard work, dedication, and commitment. She is a woman who leads in action and empowers those around her to be excellent.