Bio
Global Outreach Strategist for the International Food Policy Research Institute
Donna Ramaeker Zahn leads communication teams that translate science into stories, manage issues across the globe and set strategy for agricultural development in Asia and Africa. With more than 25 years of experience in management, public relations and strategic planning, Donna is known for devising creative solutions for undefined areas. As a former Research Director for Technology Sustainability at Pioneer, a DuPont Company, she designed an innovative technology acceptance approach that took culture, science, ethics and critics’ views into account to facilitate successful product launches. Earlier in her career, she worked at Iowa State University Extension Communications, Pioneer Hi-Bred as a communications manager, the Association of Electric Cooperatives, served as an outreach advisor for the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center and led communications efforts to improve Iowa’s water quality.
Passionate about innovation, science and business development, she works with the ISU Startup Factory and serves on review panels for VentureNet Iowa. She is a certified NetMap facilitator and a member of the International Society of Sustainability Professionals. Donna earned her B.S. in Agriculture Journalism and Mass Communication with a Science Emphasis from Iowa State University.