Donna Barber, a native Philadelphian, has served as an educator, program director, trainer and coach for youth and youth program leaders for more than 25 years. In the city of Atlanta, she worked to create and lead schools and programs that develop urban youth to be spirit-led, socially aware, community-minded leaders. As a licensed minister, Donna has served the local church as worship leader, preacher and Elder Board Chair, while also serving private and public schools and local non-profits. She holds degrees in Communications and Education and has provided trainings and coaching for national organizations including the Christian Community Development Association, DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative, The Contingent (formerly The Portland Leadership Foundation), and colleges and universities.

Ms. Barber was the founding Head of School for Atlanta Youth Academy in Atlanta, GA and presently serves as Executive Director and Co-Founder of The Voices Project, a national network that exists to influence culture through the training and promotion of leaders of color, and as Acting President of The Voices School for Liberation and Transformation. Donna was the first African American to be elected to and serve as Chair of the David Douglas School Board, in Portland, Oregon. She is an inspiring preacher, mentor and workshop presenter. Her book, “Bread for the Resistance: 40 Devotions for Justice People,” a Reader’s Choice nominee, was released in 2019 by IVPress. She currently resides in Atlanta, GA with her husband, Leroy Barber, and together they have six children.