October 27, 2014
2014 Outstanding Women in Business: Donna M. Truex, Attorney, Bowditch & Dewey LLP
Truex, who is admitted to practice in Massachusetts and Florida, is a member of several nonprofit organizations, notably the American and Worcester County bar associations. She has also served as a director of the Montachusett Girl Scout Council.
Who is your most influential role model, and why?
My mother. She always insisted that I could do anything and be anything I wanted to be. ... Beyond the gift of strength of character, her greatest gift to me was emergency child care while I attended law school to pursue my dream. As many parents know, this is a priceless gift! Also, my first mentor at Bowditch & Dewey, Austin Keane, was a wonderful teacher and supporter who encouraged me to go to law school and make Worcester County my home. Once I was accepted into law school, he told me that I had to finish and couldn't drop out. Austin took me under his wing and introduced me to everyone he knew.
What has helped you achieve success in your career?
My children were the catalysts that ignited my fire to achieve and succeed. When my children were young, I became a single mother with a determination to make it on my own and I needed a career that would provide sufficient means to support my family. With the full support of Bowditch & Dewey and my family, I attended law school in the evening while working full time days as a paralegal. In 2000, I graduated cum laude and was elevated to associate attorney. That was where it began, but I can't say it was any one thing that created my recipe for achieving success. It has been a combination of people that have supported and encouraged me along with my determination, perseverance and tenacity.
What's your primary motivator; or if there is one thing that makes you tick or ignites a passion within you, what is it?
Anyone who knows me well will tell you that inequity and injustice set me ablaze. I pour all of that passion into my work on behalf of my clients. ...
I enjoy following Ruth Bader Ginsburg and reading what she has to say about women's issues. Education around women and family issues is a major initiative for the Women's Bar Association in Massachusetts, which is why I proudly serve as chair of the Central Massachusetts Committee.
What roles have you played in your organization's efforts to give back to the community? Also, how do you give back to the community?
Activity in the community is central to Bowditch & Dewey's brand, so the firm wholeheartedly supported my efforts to engage with several organizations. My efforts over the years have included pro bono work and fundraising for Community Legal Aid, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity to renovate a home in Worcester and serving on several nonprofit boards ...
I feel a responsibility to give back to the community, but also to promote women supporting each other in order to create success for all.
When the stress level gets too high, how do you ease the pressure?
I'm one of those people who thrives on deadlines and pressure. The busier I am, the more focused I seem to be. Fortunately, I have a wonderfully supportive network of family, friends and colleagues who allow me to “let it out” on occasion. This is cathartic and allows me to move on. And if that fails, a good sweat never does!
How have you tried to balance your career and personal life? Please give an example or two?
I don't actually believe that there is such a thing. Work is a part of me and my life and I am all of my parts at all times. I am mom, wife, sister, daughter, attorney, advocate and friend. I don't take my mom hat off because I have gone to work and I don't stop thinking like an attorney just because I have gone home. I try to focus on the things I enjoy rather than the things I don't. But don't we all? I put my energy and focus on what is important and a priority in my life, which in the end creates balance, fulfillment and, ultimately, success.
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2014 Outstanding Women In Business Awards: Donna Truex, Bowditch & Dewey LLP
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