Foundation Board Spotlight: Joanne Donaruma Wade
For Joanne Donaruma Wade, a career in human services was never just about a job. “My role allowed me to be present in our local community to advocate for inclusion and diversity,” she says, reflecting on a professional journey that spanned nearly four decades and left a lasting impact across Central New York and New York State.
Donaruma Wade began her career at what is now The Arc Oneida-Lewis Chapter. Hired initially as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, she credits strong mentorship and collaboration for her professional growth. Under the leadership of Executive Director Angela VanDerhoof, Donaruma Wade became a member of the Senior Management Team, where her responsibilities expanded to include community outreach, program development, budget management, and the creation of employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. “Those 37 years weren’t just work,” she notes. “They were about creating real opportunities for people and helping them find their place in the community.”
Donaruma Wade’s passion for education runs just as deep. Her father, a police officer who worked multiple jobs to support his family, never had the chance to finish high school. “Because my father didn’t have that opportunity, he made education a priority for all of us,” Donaruma Wade says. That encouragement led most of the 10 Trevisani siblings to college degrees and meaningful careers, many of them rooted in Central New York. “Education shaped my work ethic, my career, and my commitment to giving back,” she adds.
That commitment ultimately led Donaruma Wade to the SUNY Poly Foundation Board of Directors. Following her retirement from The Arc, she sought opportunities to remain engaged in the community. With extensive experience working alongside nonprofit boards, she welcomed the chance to serve from a new perspective. “I thought it would be interesting and exciting to be on the other side,” she explains. Since joining, Donaruma Wade says SUNY Poly has continually impressed her, particularly the dedication of its board members and alumni. “There’s a real pride in this institution and a shared commitment to its mission.”
A lifelong resident of the Mohawk Valley, Donaruma Wade takes pride in SUNY Poly’s role in strengthening the region. She values seeing students arrive from across the state and beyond, then choose to stay and build lives locally. “I love seeing graduates make a forever home here,” she says. “That speaks volumes about what this university and this community offer.”
Sitting on the board has given her a whole new perspective on what it takes to make a university successful, calling SUNY Poly a truly collaborative ecosystem. “When people say ‘it takes a village,’ SUNY Poly really is that village.”
One of her most meaningful experiences involved helping develop an integrated college-based program for young adults with disabilities. SUNY Poly embraced the idea, working collaboratively to launch a pilot program that continues today. “The enthusiasm and innovation of the staff made it a true win-win,” Donaruma Wade says.
As SUNY Poly continues to evolve, Donaruma Wade sees an institution that remains connected to workforce needs, community growth, and student success. When it comes to philanthropy, her advice is rooted in experience. “The best way to inspire giving is by telling stories,” she says. “When you support SUNY Poly, you’re investing in students, families, and the future of our community.”
