As director of leadership training and development at the Gonzaga University School of Leadership Studies, Cyndi Donahue is passionate about connecting individuals with themselves and others to benefit their community. In her role, she works to clarify individuals' purposes and create opportunities for meaningful connections within their careers.

In 2021, Donahue founded Amplifying Women's Voices, a professional development organization that aims to inspire participants to support workplace equity. Donahue also is a certified facilitator for When Everyone Leads, a program that equips organizations with practical leadership tools. She's spoken at DisruptHR, an information exchange for human resources leaders, and served on the DisruptHR Spokane Advisory Board in 2024.

She attributes intentional relationship-building, seeking mentorship, and agreeing to opportunities to her growth and development as a leader.

Education: Bachelor's degree in communication, University of California, Santa Barbara; master's degree in organizational leadership, Gonzaga University.

Who do you turn to for professional inspiration or mentorship? Gloria Ochoa-Bruck, Sherri Lynch, Emilie Cameron, Charlotte Nemec, Kitara Johnson, and Terri Crafts.

What's the best career advice you've received? Be curious, keep learning, and contribute to the best of your ability.

How would you describe yourself as a leader? I practice leadership with a relational, values-driven approach so others feel seen, heard, and capable.

What would you tell others looking to follow a similar career path to yours? Be authentically you, invest in relationships, stay persistent, and keep saying "yes" to opportunities that align with your values and goals.

What career or job would you want to have if you weren't in your current role? Travel photographer.

What has been the most important risk you've taken and why? Speaking at DisruptHR was a risk because it required me to share my personal perspective publicly to normalize conversations about unspoken topics and encourage others to use their voice.