Leadership Fredericksburg is proud to feature Janel S. Donohue, a longtime nonprofit leader, community advocate and Leadership Fredericksburg faculty member whose career has been defined by helping people and organizations create meaningful impact.
Janel brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in community impact, strategic planning, fundraising and organizational development. She recently concluded a distinguished tenure as President of Rappahannock United Way, where she served from 2010 to 2025 after nearly a decade in development and marketing roles.
Throughout her time at Rappahannock United Way, Janel helped advance innovative community initiatives and championed the Virginia ALICE Project statewide, strengthening awareness around the challenges facing working families and helping bring community partners together around shared solutions.
As a member of the Leadership Fredericksburg faculty since 2020, Janel brings that same focus on people, purpose and collaboration into the classroom. Her expertise includes board engagement, public speaking, leadership coaching and community collaboration, and she has worked with businesses, nonprofits and regional organizations to help teams grow and leaders take action.
Janel is a certified facilitator of The 6 Types of Working Genius and a sought-after speaker known for her signature presentation, “Accept It, Change It, or Move On,” which she has delivered to audiences of more than 600. Whether leading a keynote, breakout session or team training, her goal is to create practical, meaningful experiences that inspire growth.
That same philosophy is reflected in her podcast, “Success is an Iceberg.” Through the podcast, Janel explores the private stories beneath visible success and challenges people to look beyond the accomplishments they can see to recognize the resilience, work, setbacks and growth happening below the surface.
Her commitment to the Fredericksburg region extends far beyond her professional career. Janel currently serves on the boards of the University of Mary Washington Foundation and the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce. Her decades of community service have also included leadership roles with the Fredericksburg Host Lions Club, Mary Washington Healthcare and multiple higher education advisory boards.
Her contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the 2025 Local Legends Award from the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Leadership Fredericksburg Impact Award and the Girl Scouts Women of Distinction Award.
Through every chapter of her career, Janel has remained focused on developing purpose-driven leaders, strengthening organizations and helping people recognize their ability to create change.
As Leadership Fredericksburg celebrates 20 years of developing leaders across the region, Janel continues to bring experience, energy and perspective to the program, reminding participants that leadership is not only about the success others can see, but also the work, growth and perseverance that happen beneath the surface.
