about me
A storyteller guided by ancestry, art, and the enduring spirit of womanhood.
Donna D. Stovall
A dynamic and multifaceted author whose journey reflects resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to self-expression.
Raised in a hardworking, entrepreneurial family, Donna was exposed early to the value of independence, adaptability, and resourcefulness. Her childhood was shaped by strong influences—family members who built businesses from the ground up and instilled in her a mindset of “figuring things out” no matter the circumstances. From an early age, Donna demonstrated initiative and ingenuity, finding creative ways to earn money and organize activities within her community.
A Path of Perseverance
Her professional journey is anything but conventional. Donna navigated a wide array of roles, often stepping into positions without prior formal training but succeeding through determination, intuition, and a deep understanding of people.
Her career includes groundbreaking work as one of the first Black female paramedics in Pittsburgh, a role she earned through perseverance despite systemic barriers. Her work in emergency services extended into public relations coordination in New York City, where she helped manage responses to major events and crises.
Beyond emergency services, Donna held leadership and operational roles across sectors, including housing advocacy, census outreach, political staffing, and property management. She consistently demonstrated an ability to build programs, lead initiatives, and adapt quickly in evolving environments.
The Artistic Evolution
Despite her extensive professional experience, Donna has always identified first and foremost as an artist. At the age of fifty, she fulfilled a lifelong promise to herself: to become a full-time artist.
Her artistic journey began with plaster casting, where she created expressive and often bold sculptural works, including live demonstrations and large-scale installations. Her work gained attention for its originality and emotional depth.
Later, she transitioned into leather craftsmanship, teaching herself design, tooling, and construction techniques after apprenticing under a master craftsman. Her work evolved into a deeply personal and exploratory practice, driven not by commercial goals but by a passion for creation.
The Writer's Voice
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Donna expanded her creative expression into writing, authoring her book The Waiting Place. She continues to write, currently working on her second book.
When I Think About It reflects her life experiences and insights for future generations, proving that identity is a continuous evolution of passion, purpose, and creativity.
HER WORK & VISION
Where art, memory, and spirit meet.
Poetic and
Reflective
Emotionally
Authentic
Timelessly
Feminine
Spiritually
Resonant
Her Story, Her Craft
Training &
Expertise
Roles &
Vocations
- i Author
- ii Artist — Sculptor & Leather Craftsman
- iii Former Paramedic
- iv Public Relations Coordinator — Emergency Services
- v Housing & Community Outreach Director
- vi Property Manager
- vii Government Outreach & Census Recruitment Specialist
- viii Producer & Event Coordinator