Donna M. Gosbee

Gosbee

“I want to become the best possible advocate for people with disabilities that I can be.”

  • Program: 2008 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Recipient
  • Resides: Cheyenne, WY
  • Hometown: Cheyenne, WY
  • Age: 54

Biography

PROFILE: In 2003, Donna Gosbee was Vice President of a large mortgage company in Texas. Despite her lack of a college education, she had achieved great success in her career through hard work and long hours all while raising a son on her own. When she became seriously ill with Multiple Sclerosis that year, her whole life changed. “For the first year, my main concern was just learning to walk again.”
As she became stronger, Donna’s natural drive and work ethic emerged in new ways. First, she began taking online courses at her local community college as a way of keeping her mind active. Although, she felt insecure about navigating a campus in her wheelchair or with a walker or crutches, a friend convinced her to try one class on campus. That became the start of a wonderful college experience. She now considers her illness to be a gift on many levels, as it gave her the opportunity to enrich her relationship with her 21-year-old son and reconnect with her family.
INSPIRATION: “MS gave me the chance to find my passion. Without living in a wheelchair for a time myself, I would not have realized the obstacles the disabled encounter every day.”
ASPIRATION: Donna hopes to make a difference in many lives by earning a political science degree and pursuing advocacy work for people with disabilities.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: For two years running, Donna was chosen by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to represent Wyoming at public policy conferences in Washington, DC, where she met with senators and congressional staff. She also serves on the Mayor’s Council for People with Disabilities and helps the local YMCA MS Swim Therapy program. She is a support group leader for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and chaired an American Cancer Society Relay for Life.
ACCOLADES: Donna was named to USA Today’s All-USA Academic 1st Team. She was selected as regional president for the Nebraska/Wyoming region of Phi Theta Kappa.
INTERESTING FACT: As Vice President of a mortgage company in Fort Worth, Texas, Donna monitored bankruptcy filings, evictions, and litigation for a national portfolio.

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