Donna Kirk-Swaffar (she/her)

Donna Kirk-Swaffar has had a diverse work experience spanning several roles and industries. Donna began their career at Midwest Research Institute in 1989, where they worked as a Technical Editor, editing research project documentation and producing marketing materials. From 1995 to 1998, they served as the Project Coordinator and Communications Director at Mainstream, Inc., coordinating support contracts for state social service agencies and facilitating communication among consortium members.

From 1998 to 2000, Donna worked at Washburn University as the Continuing Education Program Coordinator, responsible for creating and managing non-credit educational opportunities. Donna also served as an in-house communications coordinator, creating marketing materials for all continuing education programs.

Donna then joined Kaw Valley School District in 2007 as the Virtual Prescriptive Learning Coordinator. In this role, they worked with school counselors to enroll students in elective or credit recovery courses using the Virtual Prescriptive Learning program.

From 2012 to 2014, Donna worked part-time at Topeka Collegiate School as a Support Staff member. Donna assisted with various communication projects, produced the annual auction catalog, and taught enrichment classes.

Donna's most recent position is with United Way of Greater Topeka, where they have held multiple roles since 2014. Donna started as the Assistant Director of Resource Development, responsible for planning and executing workplace giving campaigns and overseeing the Caring Club Card donor incentive program. Donna then served as the Director of Communications (Remote) from 2015 to 2022. Currently, they hold the position of Vice President of Communications, leading the organization's communication efforts.

Throughout their career, Donna has demonstrated their skills in communication, coordination, project management, and marketing.

Donna Kirk-Swaffar (she/her) completed their education in a chronological order. Donna first attended Topeka West High School from 1981 to 1985, where they obtained their High School Diploma. Following that, they enrolled at The University of Kansas and earned their BSJ degree in Journalism from 1985 to 1989. Donna later pursued their MA degree in Communication Studies from The University of Kansas, which they completed from 1992 to 1995.