Meet our March Climate Leader: Donna Shaunesey

Donna with Jane Fonda for Fire Drill Friday!

This month, we’d like to highlight Donna Shaunesey as our climate leader for March, Women’s History Month. Donna continues to advocate for climate solutions and lead on multiple fronts, and she has been instrumental in getting the Equal Rights Amendment to pass in Virginia.

1. How did you get involved in environmental stewardship within the business framework? 

Back in 2012 I was the Executive Director of JAUNT and we worked hard to achieve our Better Business Challenge Green Leader award.  Our most innovative effort was in building a rain garden to handle runoff from our massive parking lot; later we built a new lot with permeable paving.  Now that I’ve retired I work with lots of local organizations to save the planet.

2. What are you hopeful about right now? 

So many people and organizations are stepping up to work toward a better future; I’ve made lots of new friends.   These folks are committed, smart and tireless and it’s been great to be buoyed up by the younger generations who have even more at stake.

3. What is one thing that is holding the state or local community back from greater progress on implementing climate solutions? 

Well, I’d be lying if I didn’t mention money, even though the costs of doing nothing are far greater. But also, it’s a global problem and it’s hard to see that what one person does makes a difference.  But it does.

4. What is a climate action personally or professionally that you are proud of? 

Well, I have to say that it was rewarding to get arrested at Jane Fonda’s FireDrill Fridays.  And I just got solar panels and a plug-in hybrid so that I can practice what I preach.  

5. What can people do today to help reduce climate pollution? 

Stay informed, get involved and grab some outdoor time to remember what we’re fighting for.  We are lucky in the Charlottesville area to have so many great options to be a climate protector – from providing feedback to state and local legislators to cleaning up streams and planting trees.

6. This is challenging work. 

What is your favorite way to recharge and rejuvenate?   Sleeping outside in nature (and the hiking or paddling required to get me there) brings me back to what’s important.  Sometimes it’s a wistful experience:  let me just enjoy these places while they’re still there.  Sometimes it’s a complete reset:  look, the frogs and birds are still calling and the river’s still flowing. 

Thanks for all you do, Donna!