Garden Club of America President Marilyn Donahue Reflects on the Past While Looking to the Future

Gardening, Creating and Advocating

November 20, 2024

By: Kathryn Pritchett

Marilyn Donahue’s journey with The Garden Club of America  began with a personal connection: her mother-in-law, Kay Donahue, who served as GCA's national president from 1985 to 1987. With four young children and a new home in Rye, NY—complete with a greenhouse—Marilyn found solace in nurturing plants. Encouraged by Kay to join her local club, she embraced this new world, eager to make her mother-in-law proud.

Now, thirty-three years later, Marilyn has ascended to the role of GCA's President, where she nurtures the organization’s 18,000 members. Her primary focus is on showcasing the diverse opportunities that GCA membership offers. Initiatives like the Virtual Roundtables provide members with essential skills—from developing club websites to managing finances and applying for grants. These gatherings foster collaboration and help clubs tackle shared challenges effectively.

A former schoolteacher, Marilyn emphasizes continuous learning. Her previous roles within GCA have equipped her with a wealth of knowledge, allowing her to dig deeper into the organization’s mission and operations. As she embarks on the second year of her two-year term, she is keenly aware of the rapidly changing world around us.

Marilyn highlights the importance of adapting to these changes, particularly regarding the impact of artificial intelligence on clubs and members. With the establishment of a new strategic planning committee, she is committed to guiding GCA over the next five years, promoting both Virtual Conferences and Roundtables while upholding the organization’s core values of collaboration, engagement, knowledge, and integrity.

When discussing how an organization founded over a century ago remains relevant today, Marilyn points to the GCA tagline she helped create: “Garden, Create, Advocate.” Through ongoing programs and innovative initiatives like GCA in the City—aimed at introducing young professionals in urban areas to the club—Marilyn believes GCA can continue to make a positive impact.
With her vision for the future, Marilyn Donahue is dedicated to ensuring that the GCA remains a vital force for community and environmental stewardship, fostering a better world for generations to come.