Donna Woods is an executive leadership coach and Ford Next Generation Learning community coach with a wealth of experience in education and transformational leadership. Drawing from her extensive background, which includes roles as an executive director of school leadership, CTE teacher, school counselor, vocational evaluator, teacher specialist, assistant principal, and high school principal within Hampton City Schools, Dr. Woods has been instrumental in shaping the educational landscape.
Her passion for educational reform is evident in her pivotal role in transforming Hampton’s high schools into vibrant college and career academies, fostering invaluable partnerships between businesses, communities, and educational institutions. Dr. Woods has shared her expertise on school transformation with diverse audiences ranging from teacher and parent groups to community partners and industry leaders.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Woods actively contributes to various community and educational organizations, serving as the past chair of the Peninsula Chapter of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, vice-chair of the Virginia Peninsula Community College Board, and a valued member of the Cognia Virginia State Council Board.
Dr. Woods holds a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Virginia Tech, where her research interests centered around adolescent literacy, leadership, and school transformation. She also possesses an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from George Washington University, an M.A. in Counseling from Ohio State University, and a B.S. in Special Education from VCU, underscoring her commitment to lifelong learning and academic excellence.
Despite her impressive professional trajectory, Dr. Woods remains grounded in her humble beginnings, reflecting on her first job at Phillip’s Seafood Market. It was there, amidst the labor of packing crab meat, that she learned the value of hard work and the importance of education, inspired by her supportive colleagues who encouraged her to pursue higher learning opportunities.
