Donna O'Leary

Donna was born and raised in Labrador West, where her deep love for the outdoors and the unique beauty of the Bigland was nurtured from an early age. Her family’s roots in the region run deep—her parents settled in Labrador West in the early 1960s, and her father dedicated 40 years of service to Wabush Mines.

As the proud mother of three young adults, Donna has instilled her passion for the outdoors in her family. Her twin daughters are pursuing their first year of post-secondary education in the Maritimes, while her son is preparing to graduate high school this spring.

Donna’s connection to nature has been a lifelong journey. Growing up, she spent countless hours at the family cabin, hunting, boating, fishing, and embracing outdoor life. Today, her backyard is her haven, often centered around a fire pit. An avid gardener, Donna grows her own vegetables and flowers, practices composting, and maintains a thriving vermiculture setup. She even keeps chickens, enjoying fresh eggs daily—a rarity in Labrador! Her commitment to environmental sustainability reflects her belief in creating a full-circle relationship with nature.

Donna joined SEM part-time in spring 2023 and transitioned to a full-time role in 2024. Initially contributing to the greenhouse and Tacora revegetation projects, she also played a key role in delivering educational presentations to middle school students in collaboration with Tacora and JRS.

Now, as part of the Compliance Team, Donna is involved in field sampling, laboratory testing, and data management for local mining operations. She also supports the operation of the IOCC wastewater treatment plant and remains eager to assist with any fieldwork opportunities that allow her to be outdoors.

When she’s not working, Donna can often be found hiking in the woods with her loyal dog, Pepper, embracing the natural environment she has cherished her entire life.