Donnita Osborn: From Rondo roots to leading with heart

Donnita Osborn, Director of Access, Aging, and Disabilities at Hennepin County, has been committed to service long before she assumed her current role. Growing up in Rondo, the historic Black community of St. Paul, Minnesota, Osborn recalls a neighborhood grounded in stewardship and mutual support. “We never really knew about class,” she says. “If you needed help, your neighbors helped you, your church helped you. That sense of community shaped everything I do.”

That early understanding of community has guided Osborn through a career rooted in social work and public service, and now into leadership at Hennepin County. She emphasizes values of stewardship, mission, and helping others achieve their best selves. “Wherever I go, I bring those principles,” she says. “It’s about doing the right thing because it’s the right thing to do, not for recognition.”

Osborn’s first direct experience in helping others came during an internship at the YWCA, supporting women facing homelessness, domestic abuse, and teen mothers navigating complex life challenges. She witnessed firsthand how access to resources, paired with support, can transform someone’s life. “Even small gestures make a difference,” she reflects. “You’re part of someone’s journey; you’re part of their fabric.” That philosophy: listening, learning, and meeting people where they are remains central to her leadership today.

After earning her degrees and navigating spaces where few people looked like her, Osborn learned to value her authentic voice. “Being a first-generation college student, I had to realize my experiences add value,” she says. “I learned that I am enough, and that my perspective can shape an organization.” These lessons guided her as she stepped into leadership in December 2024, a role she describes as both a challenge and an opportunity to create meaningful access for residents and staff.

In her first year, Osborn has focused on maintaining and expanding services for Hennepin County residents amid uncertainty and change. She has worked closely with her team to ensure programs remain uninterrupted while increasing outreach and visibility. “Everyone’s needs are unique,” she explains. “As leaders, we have to be creative in how we provide services and meet those needs.” Her approach is rooted in access; making information, resources, and opportunities available so residents can thrive.

Osborn’s leadership style emphasizes listening and learning from the community. She believes that service means more than offering immediate solutions; it means breaking down barriers, amplifying voices, and fostering resilience. “People are more resilient than we give them credit for,” she says, “but they need access to information and opportunities to use that resilience.”

Representation is another key component of Osborn’s mission. She reflects on the importance of seeing Black leaders in spaces where they are historically underrepresented. “It matters when people see someone who looks like them making an impact,” she says. “It’s unspoken, but it gives others hope and inspiration.” She brings that awareness into her work and encourages young professionals to believe in their authentic selves, seek mentorship, and approach challenges with a growth mindset.

Osborn also views Black History Month as a vital time to celebrate both historical achievements and ongoing contributions. She participates in local events with her children, highlighting the collective accomplishments of Black leaders in the community. “It’s about pride, representation, and seeing that our contributions matter,” she says. “It motivates me to keep doing better.”

Reflecting on her journey, Osborn emphasizes the importance of community, access, and persistence. Her work reminds residents and staff alike that public service is about creating pathways for others to thrive. She credits her team, her values, and the lessons of her upbringing for her success.

For Osborn, Hennepin County is more than a workplace, it’s a platform to enact meaningful change. “I feel supported and aligned with the organization’s core values,” she says. “We’re here to partner with residents, provide guidance, and ensure no one is left navigating these systems alone.”

As she looks to the future, Osborn hopes to continue evolving services and increasing accessibility, creating an environment where all community members can succeed. Through leadership grounded in community, authenticity, and service, she exemplifies how Black leaders are shaping Hennepin County for generations to come.

For more information, visit www.hennepin.us/en/residents/human-services/seniors-disabilities-supports.