Service in Action: A Conversation with Sierra Donaven
For Sierra Donaven, joining the Board of The War Memorial wasn’t a decision, it was a calling.
Her connection to the institution began almost a decade ago, when she found herself sitting quietly in the gardens after a graduation party. “Something about this place is calling me,” she remembered thinking. She didn’t know yet how true that would become.
Over the years, life kept leading her back to The War Memorial in unexpected ways, through childhood experiences, a long federal career, municipal leadership, and eventually through her work with The Family Center, housed within the building. A particularly powerful moment came when she found herself standing beside the portrait of Fred M. Alger. His generosity, humility, and commitment to community resonated deeply.
“Serving on this board is one of those bigger dreams,” she says, quoting Oprah: “God can dream a bigger dream for you than you could ever dream for yourself.”
A Leader Rooted in Purpose
Sierra brings two decades of federal service as a Special Agent and Criminal Investigator with ATF, experience as the first African American city council member in the history of the five Grosse Pointes, and a leadership role as Chair of the Grosse Pointe Farms Beautification Advisory Commission.
Her guiding principle: alignment of purpose. “Any endeavor I set my mind to, when it feels like a natural calling, I become fully immersed.” This passion fuels her strategic thinking, crisis management skills, partnership-building, and her ability to mobilize support.
A colleague once told her, “Sierra, you dream big.” She smiles at that, because for her, vision and joy are what create momentum.
Stewardship for the Future
Sierra sees her board role as both steward and strategist. She is committed to strengthening partnerships, elevating community engagement, and ensuring The War Memorial remains “a premier regional hub, honoring veterans, supporting families, and offering meaningful, intergenerational programming.”
Her leadership style centers on empathy, clarity, and shared accountability. She believes collaboration thrives when people feel respected and heard.
“Development is where mission turns into momentum.”
Integrity in Action
One experience that shaped her approach to governance came from a past nonprofit board role where she uncovered compliance issues. Despite arranging governance training, the board chose not to adopt recommendations, and Sierra made the difficult choice to resign.
The lesson was lasting: “Ethical governance requires transparency, accountability, and the courage to act when standards are not upheld.”
What She Loves Most
The War Memorial’s beauty, its lakefront, gardens, and architecture, draws her in, but it’s the mission that speaks most to Sierra’s heart. “It’s a place where history, service, learning, and togetherness coexist. It is a home for memories and a beacon of purpose.”
Fueling Momentum Through Development
Sierra is energized by her role on the Development Committee:
“Development is where mission turns into momentum.”
She’s passionate about cultivating donor relationships, expanding outreach, and exploring innovative avenues for giving. She envisions growth rooted in both legacy and innovation, intergenerational programs, expanded partnerships, greater accessibility, and richer storytelling that reflects the diverse families The War Memorial serves.
She also sees immense opportunity in creative fundraising: signature events that showcase our history and culture, legacy giving initiatives, digital storytelling, and deeper corporate relationships. One idea she loves: integrating veterans directly into major events like the Red, White, and Blue Celebration, “bringing the mission alive.”
Authentic Donor Relationships
Though new to this side of philanthropy, she brings a strong philosophy:
“Donors give either because they feel connected to the mission or because they believe in the person asking.”
Her focus is always on authenticity, gratitude, and shared purpose.
Reaching More Families
Sierra champions a multi-channel, inclusive communication strategy and programming that reflects real community diversity. She points to initiatives like the Latin dance series in Summer 2025 as the kind of inviting, joyful energy that brings new people in. “Yes, here we go,” she thought at the time, a sign of the momentum she hopes to build.
A Glimpse Beyond the Boardroom
Outside of public service, Sierra shares her life with two Jack Russell Terriers, BG and Misty. She loves house and techno music, and proudly holds the title “Queen of Detroit’s House Music Community” (2007), as well as MI5 movies, excellent coffee, and gardening.