Her Story
About Donna
Donna Kiser is the founder of Community Expressions, a nonprofit organization based in Salem, Wisconsin, focused on community building through the arts and writing. With more than 20 years in the nonprofit field following a career in corporate account management, she established the organization after relocating from Chicago, adapting community-based writing workshops to serve local groups including veterans, seniors, and outreach centers. Kiser earned her bachelor's degree in cultural studies with a minor in creative writing after returning to school, and she maintains additional credentials as a TEFL-certified instructor and a certified paraprofessional for Illinois schools. As a published writer of poetry, short stories, and narratives, she is currently developing projects in memoir, creative nonfiction, and historical fiction while emphasizing values of peace and adaptability in her work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Donna
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the school of hard knocks and just keeping going no matter what. After getting sick and leaving corporate, I had to recreate myself. I taught myself how to build websites and do graphic design, and you just have to keep going.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Go with your gut. As I said, in corporate was a wonderful experience but I had to go with my gut. That could change, especially for young women going into something. Changes in industries come and go, and changes in personalities as you grow, so be accepting of the changes instead of fighting the changes.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Peace is most important. Recognizing when things don't fit and understanding that not everyone is compatible with everyone, and working towards peace and getting along and understanding.
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