Donna R. Walton, Ed.D
Rodney Wayne Branche
Copa Style Magazine Publisher/CEO
Copa: Where are you from?
Donna: I am a Native Washingtonian, raised between the neighborhood corridors of Marshall Heights NE, and Fort DuPont, SE.
Copa: Which schools have you attended and degrees you've earned?
Donna:
2005:
Doctor of Education in Counseling
Graduate School of Education and Human Development, The George Washington University Washington, DC
Dissertation:The Effect of Peer Counseling on HIV-Related Knowledge and Sexual Risk Behaviors on 10th grade adolescents
1985:
Master of Science
School of Education, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY.
1979:
Bachelor of Science
School of Education, American University, Washington, DC
Donna:
2005:
Doctor of Education in Counseling
Graduate School of Education and Human Development, The George Washington University Washington, DC
Dissertation:The Effect of Peer Counseling on HIV-Related Knowledge and Sexual Risk Behaviors on 10th grade adolescents
1985:
Master of Science
School of Education, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY.
1979:
Bachelor of Science
School of Education, American University, Washington, DC
Copa: Have you always wished to become an outstanding author and speaker?
Donna: I have always aspired to be outstanding, and aspired to be well known through my performance as an actor or singer, until fate had other plans and placed me on trajectory to cultivate the other talents God blessed me with. As such speaking and writing, became the way I transformed those aspirations to becoming an author and motivational speaker.
Donna: I have always aspired to be outstanding, and aspired to be well known through my performance as an actor or singer, until fate had other plans and placed me on trajectory to cultivate the other talents God blessed me with. As such speaking and writing, became the way I transformed those aspirations to becoming an author and motivational speaker.
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Copa: Please share with our readers why you wrote "Shattered Dreams, Broken Pieces."
Donna: Why should my story interest you? Why should you care? Well, when journalists report on wars and disasters that take the lives of thousands—maybe even millions—of people, sometimes instead of writing about the thousands or millions, they’ll write their articles about one or a few people who personally experienced the devastation. It is too difficult for readers to understand and empathize with thousands or millions of people, but they can understand and empathize with the lone woman searching through piles of rubble to the body of her child. While my story is my story, there are many aspects of it that the reader will identify, with many areas of it that the reader will be able to identify with, many areas of it that the reader will understand, empathize with, and perhaps learn from. I wrote my story because when I lost my leg, there were no positive examples to show me how I could live my live in the midst of shattered dreams and broken pieces and still maintain the original me. There were no stories about I could thrive in a society that lauds physical attractiveness. I wrote my book to offer some practical principles and solutions to help others regain and overcome adversity, crisis, and trauma in their life. |
Copa: What other publications have you written and what are the topics?
Donna: "Shattered Dreams, Broken Pieces" was my first book, but I've written and published numerous articles and manuscripts in publications and textbooks such as: InMotion Magazine, The Sexuality and Society Reader, Health Quest Magazine, National Disability Institute Blog, Disability Studies. Quarterly. Topics include:
Intersectionality, Accessibility, Disability Etiquette,Self-esteem & Empowerment., Diversity& Inclusion, Disability Employment.
Donna: "Shattered Dreams, Broken Pieces" was my first book, but I've written and published numerous articles and manuscripts in publications and textbooks such as: InMotion Magazine, The Sexuality and Society Reader, Health Quest Magazine, National Disability Institute Blog, Disability Studies. Quarterly. Topics include:
Intersectionality, Accessibility, Disability Etiquette,Self-esteem & Empowerment., Diversity& Inclusion, Disability Employment.
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Copa: What encouraged you to establish your association, "Divas with Disabilities Project?"
Donna: The motivation that encouraged me to establish the Divas WITH Disabilities was being tired of not seeing positive images of me- reflected in mass media. The absence of black and brown images of women and girls with disabilities not reflected in film, TV or advertising really bothered me. Divas was created to show society that women with physical disabilities live with disabilities and are beautiful. I wanted to create a platform where black women and Girls could be divas- Showing that diva and disability coexist in a single person. Divas does for black and brown girls with disabilities as Essence has done for decades for black non-disabled women. |
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Copa: Donna, you are such a dynamic woman as a brilliant speaker and successful author. Do you feel that you would've chosen this path in any situation?
Donna: Yes, I've always dreamed of becoming a performer. It is my gift. Though I have not had a chance to star in leading role in featured film, or play, I am living my life out on stage, by sharing my story with others.
Donna: Yes, I've always dreamed of becoming a performer. It is my gift. Though I have not had a chance to star in leading role in featured film, or play, I am living my life out on stage, by sharing my story with others.
Copa: What is your philosophy as it pertains to courage, recovery, and determination?
Donna: Well, I live by the motto- What’s a leg got to do with it? Because the way I feel is that at the end of the day, it is not what happens to you, it is how you respond to it. I borrow from Dr. Martin Luther king this quote: Change does not happen overnight, but we must work as if it possible in the morning. Essentially, my philosophical belief: Never give up!
Donna: Well, I live by the motto- What’s a leg got to do with it? Because the way I feel is that at the end of the day, it is not what happens to you, it is how you respond to it. I borrow from Dr. Martin Luther king this quote: Change does not happen overnight, but we must work as if it possible in the morning. Essentially, my philosophical belief: Never give up!
Copa: What does the future hold for Donna Walton and "The Divas with Disabilities Project?"
Donna: There is a bright future for both DWDP and Donna Walton.
DWD has incorporate as 501(c) 3 and looks to implementing some exciting new programs such as providing resources to teen divas, seasoned DIVAS as well as those new to the disability experience; creating and hosting programs and conferences that help promote well-being of Divas, and growing the Global Divas Ambassador Program, providing opportunities for DIVAS, globally to engage in leadership development, the arts, health and wellness, and networking opportunities.
As for my future- I'm living it out right now-living my life out loud and unapologetically, walking in my truth everyday as a black woman who happens to have one leg, setting goals and living out my dreams, as an author, motivational speaker and advocate for women and girls who live with and without different abilities. I look forward to selling more books, receiving more invitations to speak to audiences, auditioning, acting, and producing a film documentary to amplify the beauty and authentic images of black and brown women who live with physical disabilities.
Donna: There is a bright future for both DWDP and Donna Walton.
DWD has incorporate as 501(c) 3 and looks to implementing some exciting new programs such as providing resources to teen divas, seasoned DIVAS as well as those new to the disability experience; creating and hosting programs and conferences that help promote well-being of Divas, and growing the Global Divas Ambassador Program, providing opportunities for DIVAS, globally to engage in leadership development, the arts, health and wellness, and networking opportunities.
As for my future- I'm living it out right now-living my life out loud and unapologetically, walking in my truth everyday as a black woman who happens to have one leg, setting goals and living out my dreams, as an author, motivational speaker and advocate for women and girls who live with and without different abilities. I look forward to selling more books, receiving more invitations to speak to audiences, auditioning, acting, and producing a film documentary to amplify the beauty and authentic images of black and brown women who live with physical disabilities.
For more information on Donna Walton
Follow this link:
DonnaWalton.com
To order any of Dr. Walton's Books or CD's click this hyperlink
~Copa