Donna Harpauer was raised on a small farm near Guernsey, Saskatchewan. She completed high school at Lanigan Central High and attended Kelsey Institute in Saskatoon where she received her medical laboratory technologist certificate. Donna interned at University Hospital in Saskatoon, and worked full time in the microbiology lab from 1978 to 1983. Later she married and farmed in the LeRoy area and raised three daughters.

First elected to the legislature representing the former Watrous constituency in 1999, Donna was re-elected in the new Humboldt constituency in 2003, 2007 and 2011.

During her time in opposition, she served as the critic for Highways, Agriculture, Investment Saskatchewan, Crown Investments Corporation, SaskPower, and SaskEnergy. She was also the deputy critic of Highways and Transportation and a member of the legislature's Board of Internal Economy.

After the Saskatchewan Party formed government in 2007, Donna served as Minister of Social Services and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation. In June 2010, she was assigned new duties as Minister of Education and Provincial Secretary. Donna is also on the province’s Treasury board.

Donna currently resides in Humboldt.