Influential Woman · Government
Dona Gibbs
Information Technology Project Manager, Ohio Secretary of State
Columbus, OH 43213
I realized my voice's impact while studying social work. My voice became powerful not because it's loud, but because it's intentional and valuable.
Dona Gibbs · In Her Own Words
In Conversation
Dona Gibbs for Wisdom Worth Sharing
Read the transcript
Dona Gibbs: What advice I would share with women about protecting their mental wellness and well-being would be take time for yourself. It's never a shame to say that you're tired, you need rest. Acknowledging what your body is telling you is the most important thing, and it's OK to have an off day. It's OK to take time off. And I'm very firm on my start and end times for work. I am very consistent and very dependable, but my time outside of work is precious, and, and, and I honor that. So I'm very firm about if I'm needed after hours, that it's clearly defined. I know what times, start and end times are needed for me. Just having that schedule and like clearly defined boundaries with work, family, friends, relationships, spouse, partner, business partners, you have to say what you need. People won't know unless you tell them, and there's always a tactful way to do that. So I think it's just important to, speak your feelings in your heart and also be respectful to others at the same time while you're expressing that.
Her Story
About Dona
Dona Gibbs is a mission-critical IT Project Manager with a proven track record of delivering complex projects on time, within budget, and within scope. She specializes in managing all aspects of the project lifecycle, including planning, assigning responsibilities, holding teams accountable, and ensuring effective communication across stakeholders. Dona combines technical expertise with strong leadership skills, motivating teams to achieve optimal efficiency while maintaining alignment with organizational goals. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from The Ohio State University and has earned certifications including Lean Six Sigma Camo Belt and Fundamentals of Grant Writing from the U.S. Department of State.
In her current role as IT Project Manager at the Ohio Secretary of State, Dona leads initiatives ranging from data center asset management to statewide election operational IT checks. She has successfully managed projects such as updating the Board of Elections E-file application, overseeing a website redesign, implementing ServiceNow tools, and building internal IT knowledge bases. Her experience spans both public and private sectors, including roles at American Electric Power and goPuff, where she managed projects, operations, logistics, and cost analysis with precision and strategic insight.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dona is committed to community service and volunteerism. She has served as a Case Manager at Faith Mission and participated in hands-on projects with WWOOF-USA®, demonstrating her dedication to service and problem-solving outside the office. Known for her ability to build bridges between people and technology, Dona leverages her expertise, collaboration skills, and strategic vision to deliver seamless results and empower her teams to succeed.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dona
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: don’t give up. Stay open to learning new skills, embrace challenges, and be consistent in your efforts—perseverance and dedication go a long way in building a successful career.
02What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Creativity, authenticity, and connection are the values I hold most important in both my work and personal life. I’ve been making jewelry since college, and over time my passion has grown into a jewelry and spiritual/healing boutique, where I use crystals to support what customers are hoping to achieve. I also express my creativity through designing clothing that represents my culture and personal style, allowing me to share my vision and connect with others in meaningful ways.
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