CEDAR RAPIDS, IA, October 30, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Molly E. Donahue has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Donahue has established a distinguished career in public service and education, marked by her commitment to the well-being of her community and the advancement of students. Since 2022, she has served as a state senator with the State of Iowa Executive Branch, representing Marion and Cedar Rapids. In this capacity, Ms. Donahue is part of the leadership team for the Democratic caucus and holds key roles as a ranking member for both the Labor Committee and the Health and Human Services budget, the second largest in the state. She also serves on the Education Committee and Appropriations Committee, where her expertise in educational policy and fiscal management is highly valued.

Prior to her tenure in the Senate, Ms. Donahue was a state representative from 2018 to 2022, where she quickly adapted to legislative responsibilities. Her drive to serve stemmed from her passion for education and her desire to ensure that all students have opportunities to succeed. Her legislative work has been informed by her deep understanding of how policy impacts communities, particularly in education.

Ms. Donahue's professional journey began in 1990 with the Cedar Rapids Community School District, where she continues to serve as both a behavior specialist and teacher-behavior management specialist. Over more than three decades, she has worked extensively with middle and high school students, specializing in special education for behaviorally disordered youth and facilitating at-risk programming. Her dedication to helping students from difficult backgrounds — including those with incarcerated parents, in foster care or raised by relatives — has been a defining aspect of her career. She considers her most meaningful accomplishment to be witnessing these students achieve stability and success beyond high school, maintaining contact with many as they build productive lives.

Ms. Donahue's expertise extends beyond education into therapy dog training, where she has been an owner and trainer since 2014. Her professional affiliations include membership in the Cedar Rapids Education Association, the Iowa State Education Association, the National Education Association, Rotary International, and Daughters of the American Revolution.

Ms. Donahue's academic credentials are extensive. She earned an advanced studies diploma in secondary school administration and principalship from the University of Northern Iowa in 2000, a Master of Education in secondary behavior disabilities from the University of Northern Iowa in 1996, and a Bachelor of Science in elementary education and teaching from the Iowa State University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 1989.

Ms. Donahue's entry into politics was catalyzed by her active involvement in union advocacy for public schools. In 2016, after being approached by the head of the Democratic Party for the House of Representatives — himself a former teacher — she was encouraged to run for office to address pressing educational issues at the state level. Although she lost her first race after an extensive grassroots campaign, she persisted and succeeded on her second attempt.

Ms. Donahue's contributions have been recognized through several awards, including the Certified School Culture Advocate Award, Contemporary School Leadership Award and UNITY Coalition Courageous Leadership Award. In addition to her professional pursuits, Ms. Donahue is an accomplished author; her book "The Rise of a Right-Wing Extremist Parent Movement," which examines the organization Moms for Liberty, is currently being printed.

Looking ahead as a senator, Ms. Donahue is dedicated to fostering collaboration within the chamber to improve the lives of all Iowans. Her priorities include strengthening economic development across Iowa, creating equitable work environments with fair wages, and addressing gaps in child care access while remaining attentive to issues that impact statewide well-being.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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