Raised on a small farm near Guernsey, Donna completed high school at Lanigan Central High and went on to receive a Medical Laboratory Technologist certificate at Kelsey Institute in Saskatoon. After interning at the Royal University Hospital and working full-time in microbiology, Donna got married and began farming in the LeRoy area where she raised three daughters.

First elected to the legislature in 1999, Donna was re-elected in the 2003, 2007, 2011, 2016, and 2020 provincial elections.

During her time in opposition, Donna served as the critic for the Public Service Commission, Highways, Agriculture, Investment Saskatchewan, Crown Investments Corporation, SaskPower, and SaskEnergy.

Donna currently serves as the Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance. Previously, Donna has been Minister of Government Relations, Minister responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs, Minister of Social Services, Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation and the Status of Women, Minister of Education, Minister of Crown Investments, Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Government Insurance, Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, and Provincial Secretary.

Donna has also served as chair of the Crown Investments Corporations Board, chair of the Child and Family Agenda Committee, vice chair of Treasury Board, and vice chair of the Provincial Land Use Committee. She has also served as a member of the Board of Internal Economy, House Services Committee, SaskBuilds, and the caucus committees on Priorities and Planning, Public Sector Bargaining, and Red Tape Review.

Donna currently resides in Humboldt.