Donna Kirtland’s career has taken her through technology, education, fundraising and philanthropy, but one thread has remained constant: using leadership to create opportunities for others.

Today, the 54-year-old serves as executive director of the Live Well Foundation of South Lake, where she works alongside a 12-member community board to guide investments aimed at improving health and wellness throughout South Lake County.

“In Lake County it’s an honor to lead and serve alongside 12 dedicated community board members to form the Live Well Foundation of South Lake,” Donna says.

Over the past seven years, she says the health conversion foundation has distributed more than $70 million to nonprofits serving South Lake residents. The foundation also stewards a substantial investment portfolio that allows it to continue supporting projects and initiatives focused on community health and wellness.

Donna’s service extends beyond the foundation.

As chair of the Lake County Boys & Girls Club and a board member for the Central Florida Boys & Girls Clubs of America, she has worked to raise awareness of opportunities available to young people. She also serves as board chair of the South Lake Chamber of Commerce and as a board member of the Florida Philanthropic Network.

Her leadership philosophy has been shaped by education, professional experience and mentors throughout her career.

“The greatest influence on my success and leadership journey has been a combination of education, life experiences, and exceptional mentors,” she says.

One of the earliest was her grandmother, Delores Johnson, a single mother who raised seven children while building a successful daycare business serving 60 children.

“Her resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and determination created opportunities for two generations,” Donna says.

Her professional path has also included work as a senior programmer at an insurance company in Maryland, community and college relations at Valencia College Foundation and fundraising at the Florida Bar Foundation.

Among the mentors who made a lasting impression is Helen Von Dolteren Fournier, Esquire, whom Donna met in 2000.

“This amazing female leader has helped me see situations more clearly, ask better questions, and become a more confident leader,” Donna says. “I am deeply grateful for her influence and friendship.”

Donna now passes those lessons forward with advice centered on listening, trust and action.

“My advice to the next generation of professionals and community leaders is to actively listen to one another,” she says. “Working together effectively is built on understanding and trusting in each party’s mission and perspectives.”

Her favorite quote is from Theodore Roosevelt who said, “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The next best thing is the wrong thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing.”

For Donna, leadership is less about holding a title and more about using experience, relationships and resources to strengthen the community around her.