I still remember the moment I learned that Anne Donovan had been named one of the Portland Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence. Knowing Anne personally and professionally for over 16 years, I was happy for her success and felt it was an honor well-deserved. Anne has a way of carrying herself—with a beaming smile and a deep-rooted positivity—that makes everyone around her feel they can accomplish just about anything. She’s the person who keeps her door open for anyone, lifts up others at every opportunity, and does so with genuine warmth.
Recently, she and I sat down to discuss this recognition, her path to leadership, and the sense of responsibility she feels to empower others. What follows are my observations, combined with Anne’s reflections woven throughout.
The Women of Influence Award: Purpose and Process
Anne explained how the Women of Influence event highlights female leaders who contribute to their communities, excel in their careers, and advocate for positive change. She noted that the award process involves judges evaluating a pool of nominees, ultimately selecting 30 outstanding women. The scale of this year’s celebration amazed her because, as she put it, having over 700 attendees in the room signaled just how much people want to support women in leadership roles.
“I can’t believe 730 people were in that room. That is a sign that people want to support women. It really felt like everybody was wrapping their arms around each other.” – Anne Donovan
She described the nomination experience as both humbling and gratifying, pointing out that a group of close colleagues at the Young President’s Organization (YPO)—led by Amy Prosenjak, President of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates’ Oregon brands—worked together to share her accomplishments through a nomination to the Portland Business Journal. As Anne sees it, this kind of collective recognition—where different people come together to spotlight one person’s work—reflects the spirit of the event itself: raising each other up so the community as a whole benefits.
Why Anne Was Honored
In discussing the core reasons behind her recognition, Anne mentioned that her volunteer work with Big Brothers Big Sisters stood out. She has served on the organization’s board and has been a “big sister” to Vanessa for nearly a decade. Meeting Vanessa at nine years old and watching her grow into a 19-year-old in the military has been, in Anne’s words, one of her proudest personal achievements. She believes mentorship carries a unique responsibility because you stand somewhere between a friend and a parent, guiding a young person without overshadowing their own family relationships.
Legislative advocacy also played a significant role in her nomination. Anne has spearheaded efforts within the Professional Employer Organization (PEO) industry to pass forward-thinking legislation and to halt measures she felt might harm businesses or employees. She admitted there were times it felt daunting, but she reminded herself that her organization and her industry needed her to speak up. That combination of dedication and a “we can do anything” outlook drove her to reach out to peers, legislators, and other stakeholders, ultimately leading to favorable outcomes.
Beyond these two areas, Anne’s general civic engagement and commitment to giving back caught the judges’ attention. Rather than focusing solely on running a successful business, she strives to make the wider community better—whether through volunteering, mentoring, or supporting inclusivity initiatives.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Embracing “We Can Do Anything”
Anne recalled the excitement and nerves that come with standing in front of a massive crowd of influential women and their supporters. Imposter syndrome can sneak in at moments like that, she admitted, especially when surrounded by people with impressive accolades. Yet Anne views these situations as opportunities to reaffirm her belief that “we can do anything,” provided we lean on each other for support.
During the awards event, Anne was asked what advice she would give her future self, and she emphasized the importance of staying curious, nurturing relationships, and making a difference in people’s lives. She loves the concept of saying “yes” to hard things—an approach that has shaped her entire career. While she acknowledged there is a time to say “no” to preserve boundaries, she believes many individuals, particularly women, can benefit from stepping outside their comfort zones and embracing bigger challenges.
“Say yes when new opportunities come your way. Not to everything—because boundaries matter—but challenge yourself to do the hard things. You never know where it could lead.” – Anne Donovan
Paying It Forward
The most striking part of Anne’s reflection on the Women of Influence experience was her eagerness to pass the baton. She left the event energized about supporting other women, saying she is already thinking of people she wants to nominate in the future. She is a big proponent of extending opportunities and mentorship, and she views the Women of Influence network as an alumni group that can create a lasting impact in the community.
Anne also noted that none of us reach our goals alone. Much of her story underscores how mentors, colleagues, and friends played crucial roles in helping her step into leadership. She cherishes that support and hopes to continue paying it forward by opening her door (literally and figuratively) to anyone who needs guidance or a little extra encouragement.
My Personal Reflections
Having worked with Anne for over 16 years, I’ve been consistently amazed by her “we can do anything” attitude. When she smiles, you can’t help but feeling like your the most important person in the room to her. She approaches obstacles with optimism, inviting people in to be part of the solution rather than shutting them out. This open-door mindset fosters a culture of collaboration and support—whether someone is seeking advice on a new project, guidance on career growth, or just a listening ear.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen her make time for informational interviews or one-on-one chats with emerging leaders who simply want to learn. For Anne, lifting others is a natural extension of who she is. Knowing she has your back, it’s hard not to walk away from a conversation with her feeling re-energized and ready to tackle the next big challenge.
“We’re in this unique time where more women are in leadership roles than ever before. But there’s still more work to do. I want to see more seats at the table filled by women who bring new ideas and new energy.” – Anne Donovan
Looking Ahead
Looking to the future, Anne wants to strengthen Xenium’s business while remaining dedicated to volunteerism and community-building initiatives. She remains deeply committed to Big Brothers Big Sisters and other endeavors that support youth and emerging leaders. Above all, she hopes to inspire more women to step into influential spaces—especially those who might not see themselves as natural leaders. Her unwavering message is that we can all do great things, and if we band together, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish.
Anne Donovan’s recognition as a 2025 Women of Influence honoree is a testament to her inclusive leadership style, steadfast community engagement, and deep-seated belief in people’s potential. She carries herself with warmth and positivity that encourage everyone around her to dream bigger and work harder while caring for others. This approach is rooted in giving back, paying it forward, and inspiring the next generation to do the same.
For more details about Anne Donovan’s Women of Influence recognition, be sure to read the full profile in the Portland Business Journal here and you can watch her appearance on the Portland Business Journal Thought Leader Roundtable panel here.