Donna McDonald is walking to empower her community

Donna McDonald is showing others how to create their own path.

Donna McDonald
President, West Louisville Business Association

Whose footsteps are you following in?
“I am following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. The golden rule is that you do unto others as you would like for them to do unto you, and you are your brother’s keeper whether you want to do anything about it or not.”

Are you creating a new path? What is it?
“I am creating a community pride campaign in West Louisville. The community pride campaign transforms all residents into citizens. The resident just lives there, but the citizen gets active and takes part.”

Where do you like to walk?
“Anywhere outdoors. Algonquin Parkway, the Second Street Bridge. I love the outdoors.”

What has been the longest walk you've had in your life?
“Gaining patience and endurance. My whole life is a series. Sometimes, it’s a leap of faith. Sometimes, I am at a crossroads, and sometimes you just have to stop, rest or stand still. It doesn't always seem like you are making progress in your own eyes and especially in the eyes of others, but when you are able to look back on a situation internally, you will have realized that you've become sharper and wiser.”

Do you always walk the straight and narrow or do you stray sometimes?
“In most cases, I am always alone. I know what's right in my heart. I don't care what everyone else does. I have to follow my heart, and the heart is often mistaken for weakness.”

Have you ever felt like you were walking on a tightrope?
“In our sphere of influence, no matter how large or small, someone is always watching or critiquing everything you do or say and people may try to put you on the tightrope but the question is do you allow them to put you there or are you your own person?”