Donna Paolino

Donna M. Paolino earned a Bachelor of Arts from Newton College of the Sacred Heart (later Boston College) in 1974 and continued on to earn her Master of Arts in Teaching from Rhode Island College in 1979. She taught for three years, before marrying and taking time off to raise her two daughters, Mari and Kara. During this time she remained active in the community, supporting many causes and raising funds for Find the Cause, the Lincoln School in Providence, the American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, and Roger Williams Medical Center.

Learning the statistic that 90% of those diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history frightened Donna.  She is passionate about FTC’s mission to provide education on prevention and grateful to the Consortium for their work. 

Donna is a past President and board member of RISE (Rhode Islanders Sponsoring Education). In 2004 she received the Outstanding Partnership in Philanthropy award from RISE for her significant fundraising work on behalf of the organization.

Donna also sits on the Rhode Island Hospital’s Foundation Board of Trustees in Providence, RI.

A lifelong proponent of women’s education, for over twelve years Donna served on the board of Lincoln School. Donna attended Lincoln School herself and received an Alumni Citation in 2004. In 2015 “Festa Toscana” Spring Benefit named Donna the honoree because of her exemplary service to the Lincoln School.

Donna is married to Arthur A. Coia. They live in RI and Florida. Together they share 9 grandchildren.