After a successful career as an insurance executive, Donna Allen “retired” to give back through nonprofit work. She became a key player at Until There’s A Cure, which was founded during the AIDS crisis to raise money for HIV vaccine development and preventive education. During her time there, the organization partnered with the San Francisco Giants, helping to expand the program’s impact and fund development of lifesaving medical therapeutics. The organization also gained the support necessary to initiate the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which has brought these therapies to communities around the world, saving millions of lives.
Donna was also a founder of Project Redwood, a philanthropic organization launched by the GSB class of 1980. “At our 25th reunion ‘giving back’ forum, the idea of Project Redwood arose. Donna was deeply involved from day one, seeking to realize the GSB’s mission to utilize knowledge and resources toward sustainable economic development around the world,” says classmate Ann McStay, MBA ’80. Donna has been directly involved with all aspects of Project Redwood, from the decision to focus on alleviating poverty and supporting early-stage social entrepreneurs, to serving as co-chair, board member, grant review leader, photographer — and handling any other task needed. No job is too big or too small for Donna. Since its inception, Project Redwood has provided $6.5 million to help more than one million people worldwide improve their lives.
“Through her work at Until There’s A Cure and Project Redwood, and her quiet persistence in developing collaboration for both, Donna has catalyzed organizations that have changed lives close by and around the world,” says classmate Michael Watt, MBA ’80. Donna’s commitment to the GSB also includes serving as an unwavering champion of her own graduating class, organizing their activities and reunions. She has also developed ways for GSB students and alumni to expand their impact through work with various organizations. “Donna represents the best in us — her wisdom, kindness, intellect, dedication, ability to see what needs to be done, and willingness to pitch in and do it. She’s accomplished so much, so quietly,” says Ann.
