Women’s History Month is a time to recognize resilience, leadership, and the trailblazers who create opportunities for future generations. Few stories embody that spirit quite like Donna O’Connell’s—a journey marked by perseverance, determination, and breaking barriers in industries where women were once scarce.
At 4:30 in the morning, Donna O’Connell stood outside a waste management facility, waiting for her first assignment. The streets were dark, the air crisp, and the job ahead of her anything but glamorous.
“I had no clue what I was walking into,” she said, laughing. “I was nervous, and so nauseous from the smell as I learned the garbage route.”
In the end, you don’t end up smelling garbage, you end up smelling money (because garbage pick-up is very expensive!), and success in this field requires honesty and integrity.
But quitting wasn’t an option. O’Connell had been raised to push forward, no matter the challenge. From working in unexpected places to running her own business and serving her community, her journey has been defined by strength, faith, and a deep commitment to others.
Born in Pittsburgh, O’Connell was raised in Boston before moving to Chicago, but the strongest influence in her life wasn’t a place—it was a person: her mother, Alice Gonzalez.
“My mom was probably my biggest influence,” she said. “She inspired me with her admiration for life. She taught me how to be thrifty, how to spend wisely, how to save money. But more than that, she showed me how to be strong and keep going no matter what.”
That strength carried O’Connell through her first jobs—ones not typically held by young women.
At a young age, she worked diverse jobs, from a trap range to a full-service gas station and Fortune 500 companies. Those experiences exposed her to different people and perspectives, teaching her valuable lessons about resilience and adaptability.
O’Connell built her career in waste management, an industry where women were rarely seen in leadership.
“It was definitely seen as a guy’s field,” she said. “I had to prove that I belonged, and I worked my way up. And honestly? I loved my job.”
She didn’t just keep up—she excelled, becoming the company’s top salesperson. Her success proved that women could not only compete but thrive in spaces where they had long been underrepresented.
That experience gave her the confidence and knowledge to take the next step: starting her own business.
O’Connell co-founded her own janitorial business focused on sustainable environmental solutions, including waste reduction and eco-friendly products for industrial use.
“Starting and maintaining my own business was one of my biggest accomplishments,” she said. “I went from working in a Fortune 500 company to building something of my own, and that was a huge challenge.”
Her transition from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship wasn’t just about business—it was about proving that women can thrive in industries where they’ve historically been overlooked. And it was a lesson in balancing ambition with family life.
Balancing family and leadership has always been at the heart of O’Connell’s journey. She raised her children—Tim, Cody, Kylie, and Nicholas—while building a career and making sure she was present for them every step of the way. She is also a proud grandmother to two grandchildren, Micaela and Ian.
“When my kids were little, I couldn’t commit to running for office,” she said. “They were my number one priority. But once they grew up, I decided to take that step.”
Her late son, Nicholas, remains an enduring presence in her life.
“You make decisions every day—whether as a leader or as a parent—that impact people’s lives,” she said. “You just do the best you can with honesty and integrity and trust your instincts.”
After years of leadership in business and community work, O’Connell took on another challenge: public service. Encouraged by those who recognized her leadership skills, she ran for alderman in Palos Hills, stepping into a new role where she could advocate for her community.
“I was already active in the community—attending events, working with the HOA—so running for office felt like the natural next step,” she said.
Winning her first election wasn’t easy, but she was determined. She found guidance from veteran Alderman Pauline Stratton, who helped her navigate the challenges of public service.
“I had questions, and she was there to answer them,” O’Connell said. “That kind of mentorship is invaluable.”
Now, as an established alderman, she focuses on supporting local businesses, addressing community concerns, and staying accessible to residents. Throughout her work, she emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in leadership.
For O’Connell, Women’s History Month is a time of celebration and reflection.
“I feel like the older I get, the more I notice how many events are happening to recognize women’s achievements,” she said. “And I love that. It’s a celebration of all the incredible women making a difference in the world.”
She’s had the opportunity to meet women from all backgrounds and industries, learning from their experiences and sharing her own.
“Women’s opportunities are endless now,” she said. “Before, they weren’t. But I’ve seen firsthand how women from different cultures and industries are shaping the world around them.”
As Women’s History Month celebrates the contributions of trailblazers, O’Connell remains focused on the future.
“I want to continue helping people and supporting our community,” she said. “There’s always work to be done.”
Would she ever consider running for a higher office?
“Who knows?” she said. “Maybe another leadership role in our community. Maybe starting my own organization or charity. But I will definitely continue volunteering and working with the organizations I already support. That’s what I enjoy the most.”
As Women’s History Month honors the achievements of trailblazers, O’Connell continues to lead by example. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact of women who refuse to be limited by the barriers of the past.
Editor’s Note: This is one of a series of stories highlighting the accomplishments of local women in honor of Women’s History Month
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