Catch us up! Tell us about yourself, and what’s happened over the last 15 years?
I’m Donnica Hawes-Saunders and have spent the past 15 years building a career as an executive, lobbyist, lawyer, social impact strategist and keynote speaker. I currently develop and oversee global and U.S. public affairs outreach and external communication engagements for global highly regulated industries.
Prior to that, I worked on Capitol Hill, drafting and advancing legislation including bills to improve responses to victims of child sex trafficking (P.L. 114-22) and established amendment language in the 2014 Farm Bill Conference Report designating a historically black college (HBCU) as an 1890 Land Grant University, thereby increasing access to federal funds.
Before working in the U.S. Congress, I was a lawyer focused on a unique combination of corporate law, litigation, and negotiation. I enjoy being a published author on topics around corporate culture, sustainability, and diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as a speaker in the U.S. and globally.
My husband and I live in Washington, DC with our 2 year-old Bishon/Shih-tzu pup, Truffle.
What did you value most about your Spelman experience?
I am very grateful to have had the experience of being educated in a place and space that centers black women. The strength and confidence I received from relearning my history (shout out ADW) has been one of the founding pillars of my career. As an alumna, I value the Spelman sisterhood that continues to transcend – it really is a special network of support, opportunity, and friendship.
You have to pass the bar to be a lawyer. It’s illegal to claim to be a lawyer without passing the bar. She is not a lawyer and has not worked as a lawyer. She’s also not a published author… she wrote a blog. How do you guys not fact check?