DBU Inc. founder empowers survivors through recovery support, workforce development, violence prevention and community engagement
(BALTIMORE – July 23, 2026) – Donna Bruce knows what it means to survive. More importantly, she knows what it means to transform survival into service.
Bruce, founder and executive director of DBU Inc., will receive a Joe Manns Black Wall Street Award during the Black Wall Street Summit on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Justice Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center, located at 1315 Division Street in West Baltimore.
Presented by BMORENews.com and its partners, the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards celebrate entrepreneurs, professionals and community servants who support Black businesses, create opportunities and strengthen their communities.
Bruce is a trauma-informed leader, Community Health Worker, Addiction Counselor Trainee, educator, speaker and self-published author. Through DBU Inc., a Maryland-based nonprofit organization, she serves individuals and families affected by trauma, domestic violence, substance use disorders, human trafficking, gun violence and other systemic barriers.
Her work is deeply personal.
As a survivor of human trafficking and domestic violence, Bruce has transformed painful chapters of her life into a mission centered on advocacy, healing and hope. Rather than allowing adversity to define her future, she has used her lived experience to help others reclaim their lives and rediscover their purpose.
“I survived so I could serve,” Bruce said. “My story is not over, and neither is my mission.”
Through DBU Inc., Bruce develops and leads initiatives involving recovery support, peer mentorship, housing assistance, workforce development, youth empowerment and violence prevention. Her approach is rooted in meeting people where they are and walking alongside them as they move toward stability, healing and self-sufficiency.
Bruce also founded a Peer Navigator Program designed to create pathways to recovery, connect families with essential resources and empower individuals facing difficult transitions. Her community service has earned recognition from public officials, community organizations and state leaders.
She has also been featured on PBS for her work as a peer navigator and community advocate. Additionally, Bruce has worked as an alliance partner with Angela’s House in Maryland, collaborating to provide resources, advocacy and safe housing for survivors and their families.
A licensed cosmetologist with more than 30 years of professional experience, Bruce brings together education, mentorship and direct service in her efforts to help people overcome barriers. She is known for creating safe spaces where survivors can be heard, supported and equipped to move forward.
Bruce is the self-published author of From Shadows to Strength: The Saga of Donna Bruce. The memoir chronicles her journey through adversity, her struggle to find her voice and her decision to transform pain into purpose. Through both her writing and public speaking, she encourages others to embrace their resilience and pursue healing.
Her personal development continues alongside her community work. Bruce is pursuing an Associate of Arts degree in Behavioral Health Counseling at the Community College of Baltimore County and is expected to graduate in December 2026. Despite confronting domestic violence challenges during her academic journey, she has earned Dean’s List honors during multiple semesters.
For Bruce, education is another expression of perseverance—and another tool she can use to serve others more effectively.
She is also the proud mother of Devon Wellington, whom she describes as her greatest blessing, her motivation and her “why.”
Donna Bruce represents the spirit of the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards: resilience strengthened by purpose, leadership grounded in service and success measured by the number of lives uplifted along the way.
Her message is direct and unapologetic: “I don’t wait for change—I create it.”
To learn more about Donna Bruce and DBU Inc., visit www.dbuinc.org.
Interviews and Articles
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“From Struggle to Resilience: An Advocate’s Journey”
An in-depth interview where Donna discusses her path from personal loss to becoming a beacon of hope for others.
Read the full article -
“Donna Bruce, Bringing Light to Life’s Tribulations”
An article detailing Donna’s commitment to helping others overcome substance misuse challenges, inspired by her own life experiences.
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“Media Coverage of Human Trafficking”
An exploration of how media shapes public understanding of human trafficking, featuring insights from advocates like Donna Bruce.
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“Donna Bruce Appointed to Trauma-Informed Care Task Force”
Coverage of Donna’s appointment to Baltimore’s Trauma-Informed Care Task Force, emphasizing her role in shaping city policies.
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“Enoch Pratt Free Library Expands Peer Navigator Program”
An article detailing Donna’s role in expanding peer navigation services to combat opioid-related deaths in Baltimore.
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“Healing City Baltimore: Council President Zeke Cohen’s Initiative”
An overview of Council President Zeke Cohen’s efforts to implement trauma-informed policies, featuring insights from Donna Bruce.
Read the full article
Television Features
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“Baltimore Fashion Show Honors Bereaved Parents”
Coverage of Donna’s initiative to connect with grieving parents through a fashion show, emphasizing healing and community.
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“The Club Nobody Wants To Be In: Bereaved Parents Find Community at Baltimore Fashion Show”
A segment focusing on Donna’s efforts to create a supportive community for grieving parents through her fashion show.
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“Peer Navigators Are Looking to Expand Their Reach in Baltimore to Reduce Opioid Overdoses”
A segment featuring Donna Bruce and the efforts to expand peer navigation services in Baltimore.
Watch the segment
Video Interviews
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“Who is Donna Bruce?”
A personal narrative showcasing Donna’s resilience and dedication to empowering trauma survivors.
Watch the video -
“Baltimore Interviews in Maryland with Community Advocate Donna Bruce”
An engaging interview discussing Donna’s advocacy work and impact within the community.
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“DBU Fashion Show DMV”
A video showcasing highlights from the DBU Fashion Show, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to supporting trauma survivors.
Watch the video -
“The Allison & Marc Podcast: Donna Bruce”
A discussion with Donna about her upcoming event, DBU’s 2nd Annual Hair and Fashion Show honoring bereaved parents.
Watch the interview -
“She Suffered as a Victim of Human Trafficking as a Young Adult, Now Donna Bruce Has Dedicated Her Life to Other Victims of Trauma”
An interview where Donna shares her journey from victim to advocate, dedicating her life to supporting other trauma survivors.
Watch the interview -
“Donna Bruce Annual Hair and Fashion Show [Official Trailer] 2”
A promotional video highlighting the themes of grief and elegance in Donna’s fashion show.
Watch the trailer
Additional Links and Media Coverage
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WMAR-2 News (ABC) Coverage of Peer Navigators
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WYPR News – Enoch Pratt Free Library Expands Peer Navigator Program
Read the article -
Baltimore Sun Coverage on Trauma-Informed Care
Read the article -
YouTube – WMAR-2 News Channel
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YouTube – WBAL-TV 11 Channel
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YouTube – WJZ 13 Channel
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