Who is Donna Gillenardo Duffy?
Donna Duffy, CEO and founder of 3E Marketing Solutions is a visionary entrepreneur and thought leader with a background of over 30 years in leadership and education. A graduate of Eastern University, Donna quickly put her business and leadership knowledge to work in hospitality management. At 24, she had the deep desire to serve overseas. So, with a backpack, a wave and the expectation of being home in a couple of months, she told her parents goodbye and took off. After some extended traveling, she was drawn to the Middle East, where she stayed for almost 20 years, creating a rich life for herself and family.
Donna immersed herself in the local community, implementing community summer camps, art classes, and a library for the children, as well as an exercise group for moms. It was her life in that neighborhood that helped to shape her thinking and values regarding community and “bridge building.” In, 1997 she was approached to assist a few students in need of some help. It quickly became apparent they needed much more than a “little help.” So, with 10 kids and a box of books, she created and ran Bridging the Gap, a school for Arab–American students, and to her great joy, it is now in its 18th year.
After returning to the States, Donna secured a position in the education field. However, after 4 years she couldn’t deny her entrepreneurial passion. In 2006, she and her business partner, Pat Howes, started an event planning business, Memorable Milestones, LLC, and 6 months later, launched a tutoring company, Academic Connections Tutoring Services. Out of her desire to build community and help others, she organized and facilitated a weekly marketing mastermind group of small business owners that met around her kitchen table, to discuss marketing strategies and tips, as well as discuss joint venture projects to cross-promote participating businesses. This is how 3E Marketing Solutions was born.
3E’s mission is to educate, equip and engage small to mid-sized businesses, non-profits and associations with the strategies and marketing tools necessary to effectively market in the 21st century. Known for her intelligence, strategic thinking and collaborative, inclusive approach, Donna has created a new community within the Delaware area. Donna coaches business owners to evaluate and clarify their mindset, identity and resources while offering solutions for their business and marketing needs. Applying her expertise, wisdom and a grassroots approach, Donna guides others to re-ignite their sense of passion and purpose. Through one-on-one coaching, workshops, digital marketing services, implementation, public speaking and events, Donna, and her team at 3E Marketing Solutions, serve small-mid size businesses, non-profits and associations from their office located in downtown Wilmington, Delaware.
. 2015 Business Women of the Year, New Castle County Chamber of Commerce
· Current President, National Association of Women Business Owners, Delaware Chapter
· Certified Marketing Consultant -Infusionsoft 2012
· Master Coach Seasons of Change Certification
· 2010 Master Business Consultant - Smart Women’s Institute of Entrepreneurial Learning
· 2012 Alumnus of the Year Eastern University
· 2012 Inspiring Business Award Bethany-Fenwick area Chamber of Commerce
· Contributing Author – Inspired Women Succeed
· Contributing Author -Smart Women Live Their WHY
· Featured in recently released book, Pearls: Women Who Radiate Success Book 1
Donna Duffy, CEO and founder of 3E Marketing Solutions is a visionary entrepreneur and thought leader with a background of over 30 years in leadership and education. A graduate of Eastern University, Donna quickly put her business and leadership knowledge to work in hospitality management. At 24, she had the deep desire to serve overseas. So, with a backpack, a wave and the expectation of being home in a couple of months, she told her parents goodbye and took off. After some extended traveling, she was drawn to the Middle East, where she stayed for almost 20 years, creating a rich life for herself and family.
Donna immersed herself in the local community, implementing community summer camps, art classes, and a library for the children, as well as an exercise group for moms. It was her life in that neighborhood that helped to shape her thinking and values regarding community and “bridge building.” In, 1997 she was approached to assist a few students in need of some help. It quickly became apparent they needed much more than a “little help.” So, with 10 kids and a box of books, she created and ran Bridging the Gap, a school for Arab–American students, and to her great joy, it is now in its 18th year.
After returning to the States, Donna secured a position in the education field. However, after 4 years she couldn’t deny her entrepreneurial passion. In 2006, she and her business partner, Pat Howes, started an event planning business, Memorable Milestones, LLC, and 6 months later, launched a tutoring company, Academic Connections Tutoring Services. Out of her desire to build community and help others, she organized and facilitated a weekly marketing mastermind group of small business owners that met around her kitchen table, to discuss marketing strategies and tips, as well as discuss joint venture projects to cross-promote participating businesses. This is how 3E Marketing Solutions was born.
3E’s mission is to educate, equip and engage small to mid-sized businesses, non-profits and associations with the strategies and marketing tools necessary to effectively market in the 21st century. Known for her intelligence, strategic thinking and collaborative, inclusive approach, Donna has created a new community within the Delaware area. Donna coaches business owners to evaluate and clarify their mindset, identity and resources while offering solutions for their business and marketing needs. Applying her expertise, wisdom and a grassroots approach, Donna guides others to re-ignite their sense of passion and purpose. Through one-on-one coaching, workshops, digital marketing services, implementation, public speaking and events, Donna, and her team at 3E Marketing Solutions, serve small-mid size businesses, non-profits and associations from their office located in downtown Wilmington, Delaware.
. 2015 Business Women of the Year, New Castle County Chamber of Commerce
· Current President, National Association of Women Business Owners, Delaware Chapter
· Certified Marketing Consultant -Infusionsoft 2012
· Master Coach Seasons of Change Certification
· 2010 Master Business Consultant - Smart Women’s Institute of Entrepreneurial Learning
· 2012 Alumnus of the Year Eastern University
· 2012 Inspiring Business Award Bethany-Fenwick area Chamber of Commerce
· Contributing Author – Inspired Women Succeed
· Contributing Author -Smart Women Live Their WHY
· Featured in recently released book, Pearls: Women Who Radiate Success Book 1