Spirit of the Springs: What it is and How it Helps our Community

Donna Nelson, our newly minted Rotarian, first arrived in Colorado Springs in 1994. She was stationed at Fort Carson and, like so many before her, thought that Colorado Springs would be a great place to settle down and start a post-military career. Donna began her career as a Medical NCO in the United States Army, serving for nine years in the military. Staying in Colorado Springs, she quickly found jobs in the community and in 2011, Donna was offered a job with recently elected Colorado Springs Mayor Steve Bach. He offered Donna a job as an economic vitality specialist with the city. She worked with Bach for four years, and has continued in the mayor’s office with John Suthers. Her current title is Spirit of the Springs Program Manager — a position that has been highly visible and impactful.

Donna is responsible for multiple civic outreach and community programs and runs the Mayor’s Cup annual charity golf tournament, which has raised and donated $420,000 for local scholarships since 2012. She has also been an effective change agent.

As an African American woman in a workplace historically composed of white males, Nelson feels a special responsibility.

“I don’t think of myself as a trailblazer,” she said, “because there are so many women who came before me. But I try to do my best for those who will come after me and those who came with me.”

Nelson currently serves as board chair of the Colorado Springs Conservatory, and has served as board chair of the Urban League, the United Way Women’s Leadership Council and the Chamber Rising Professionals. She is a Woman of Influence (2019). Most recently, Donna was appointed by the Governor of Colorado to the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapists Examiners among many other volunteer positions within our city, receiving many awards in the military and also in civilian life.

Donna has lived in Colorado Springs for 25 years, has one daughter, Jasmine, and 2 extremely smart grandchildren, Soulyman and Fatima, who live in Rockford, IL.