Donna Orender learned early on that the games played on the courts and in the fields were a vital learning and proving ground for life’s opportunities. Recognized as a leader of growth and innovation in several high-profile companies, her ability to pivot as a former professional basketball athlete has served her well. Her passionate pursuit of working on behalf of women and girls is a result of her journey as a professional athlete, a corporate executive, a leader of an iconic women’s business, the WNBA, a board member and founder of Generation W. She has been recognized as one of the top 10 Most Powerful Women in sports and one of Newsweek’s 100 most Influential people in the business of sports and is a best-selling author with her 2018 release of Wowsdom! the girl’s guide to the Positive and the Possible.
In 2011 Donna launched Generation W, www.genwnow.com, a dynamic platform of education, inspiration and connection for women and girls, in the service of building community. It has changed the trajectory of thousands of lives who have become part of this inclusive and energetic community. Leveraging intergenerational connectivity and mentorship, Generation W and Generation WOW have positively impacted skills and opportunities while broadening perspectives on women’s equality and equity.
Donna served 6 years as the President of the WNBA, during which time she solidified its base and led double digit growth in all key business metrics. Prior to the WNBA, Donna spent 17 years at the PGA TOUR serving in the Office of the Commissioner. She developed a global and domestic media business leading global production, programming, distribution and digital businesses for the TOUR. As the CEO of Orender Unlimited she works with companies on strategic and growth initiatives.
She currently serves on the board of the SPAC Goal Acquisition Corporation as well as on the privately held World Surf League Board and Cre8tor, an Israeli based health and wellness manufacturing company.
Her community board work includes the V Foundation for Cancer Research, Co-Chair of the UJA Sports for Youth Initiative, the Jacksonville Public Education Fund, the executive committee of the Jacksonville Chamber, Maccabi USA and a founding member of the board of Women in America. She has also been a Global Ambassador for Vital Voices, a Hall of Fame collegiate and professional athlete and a recipient of the March of Dimes Sports Leadership Award. She enjoys speaking on leadership, change and gender equity. She is a mom of twin sons and two step children.
