Donna Zajonc
Biography & Resources

 
 

Donna Zajonc [Say-John], a former Oregon state representative, is a political leadership coach, professional seminar leader, and author. Her recent book, The Politics of Hope: Reviving the Dream of Democracy, addresses the viability of collaborative, nonpartisan politics as a potent political strategy.

Zajonc was called to public leadership at a young age. At 28, she was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives for three consecutive terms, serving from 1978 to 1984. She was a chairperson for multiple committees and was named Assistant Minority Leader. Zajonc later served as campaign manager for an Oregon state governor's race.

In addition to her many accomplishments within Oregon, Zajonc has been recognized as one of the “Ten Outstanding Young Women in America.” More recently, she has begun working internationally, most recently in Tunisia, with the Partners in Participation: Women's Campaign Initiative designed to help emerging women leaders in the Middle East and North Africa.

“The purpose of my work is to change the political culture and renew the nobility of public service,” says Zajonc. She articulates this point of view in her book, The Politics of Hope: Reviving the Dream of Democracy, which demonstrates that collaborative, nonpartisan politics is not merely a suggestion, but a viable solution. As a leadership coach, Zajonc prepares leaders of all kinds including elected officials, political candidates, and business owners. Zajonc challenges them to understand rapidly changing leadership paradigms while preparing them to perform their own political duties with the same level of rigor that is so commonly implemented by all successful professionals.

Currently, Zajonc lives with her three children in Bainbridge Island, WA.

selected books

The Politics of Hope: Reviving the Dream of Democracy
(Synergy Books, 2004)
Buy at Amazon

selected articles

What Is Islam's View of Democracy?
http://www.donnazajonc.com/coaching-ezine-71304.html

articles & interviews

Articles & interviews in EnlightenNext magazine

Igniting a Spark of Power