Donna Alexander

I attribute my success first and foremost to my family. Their unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in me have been the foundation of my career. Throughout the many transitions, long hours, and leadership responsibilities I have taken on over the years, they have been my steady source of strength and motivation.

My family has always encouraged me to pursue excellence, remain grounded, and lead with integrity. Whether it was advancing into management roles, returning to federal service, or stepping into new opportunities in the private sector, their support gave me the confidence to embrace each challenge fully.

Having a strong support system at home has allowed me to focus, persevere, and grow professionally. I am grateful for the sacrifices they have made and the values they instilled in me, which continue to guide both my personal life and my career.

One of the most important pieces of advice I would give to young women entering this industry is to focus on earning respect through hard work, consistency, and competence. Engineering remains a male-dominated field, and there may be moments when others underestimate your abilities. The best response is to let your performance speak for itself. Show up prepared, deliver high-quality work, and demonstrate that you are a valuable and capable member of the team.

I have always believed in proving yourself through results. When you consistently meet expectations, solve problems effectively, and contribute meaningfully to projects, perceptions begin to change. Credibility is built over time through reliability, professionalism, and technical strength.

I share the same advice with my daughters: if you choose a path in a male-dominated profession, be ready to work hard and hold yourself to a high standard. Stay confident, remain resilient, and never let doubt from others define your potential. When you commit to excellence and integrity, you not only earn respect—you help pave the way for the women who follow behind you.

Family is the most important value in both my personal life and my career. Everything I do is grounded in the desire to support, uplift, and set an example for my family. The encouragement and expectations my parents set for me shaped who I am today. They instilled in me the importance of earning a college degree, building a career, and always being capable of supporting myself. That foundation has guided every professional decision I have made.

I also strongly believe in work ethic and independence. I raised my daughters to value education, self-sufficiency, and confidence in their own abilities. I have always encouraged them to pursue their own paths, build their own careers, and never feel that they must rely on someone else for stability or success. To me, being a working woman is empowering. Having skills, expertise, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to society creates both confidence and security.

At the same time, I deeply respect that every woman’s path looks different. Raising children and managing a household is one of the most important responsibilities anyone can undertake. For me personally, I chose to continue working while raising my children, and I was fortunate to have support systems in place that allowed me to do both. Ultimately, whether at home or in the workplace, I believe in commitment, responsibility, and striving to be the very best in whatever role you choose.