Donna was born in Olympia, Washington, and at three months old was transplanted to Houston.  After receiving a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Houston, she began her 14-year professional career as a music teacher for HISD.  Her final three years were spent teaching children with special needs at T.H. Rogers.  Married to restaurateur Tony Vallone, they have five children and seven grandchildren.  Currently, she works with her husband in their corporate office and at Tony’s.

Donna serves on several boards, including Memorial Hermann Community Relations Committee, Houston Holocaust Museum, the Houston West Chamber of Commerce, TEACH, Friends of Nursing at CHI St. Luke’s Health, the Advisory Council for the Houston Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the Founding Advisory Committee for the Design Society of Houston Community College, and University of St. Thomas’ Founders Nursing Society, Performing Arts Society and Faith in Our Future Campaign Committee.

Donna’s first love is her husband, Tony, and her family.  Her second love is music as she enjoys singing and attending music events in Houston.  She is a 9-year breast cancer survivor because of early detection at her annual mammogram.  She is passionate about spreading the work to women of all ages to be diligent in scheduling their mammograms as they saved her life. She knows a cure is imminent and is thankful to the Nancy Owens Memorial Foundation for honoring her as this year’s recipient of the Spirit of Courage Award.