Donna Bates
BEN Operator
Donna was born with Optic Atrophy, where the main nerve from the eyes to the brain is not operating at full capacity. While her mother aided her growing up, her greatest lessons to her daughter were in how to be independent in a world built for those unlike her. Donna attended public school in Clark County and graduated from UNLV with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Public Relations. Her mothers’ lessons and her experience growing up, helped shape Donna into a hardworking, problem solver who was able to take the challenges of the world and apply the resources she received through programs like ours.
While Donna was born in Las Vegas, her life led her to Alabama as an adult, where she worked with that state’s Blind Enterprises Program to open her own business. She built a strong reputation for hard work, great food and service. In addition, she brokered relationships with other local businesses to expand her vending program. In returning to Las Vegas, she established services with BSBVI and ultimately Business Enterprises of Nevada.
Donna recently opened a micro market at the James C Brown Post Office and Sorting Facility. Her enthusiasm for her business and caring for the customers is evident in every interaction. Walking the facility with her, every smile is returned with positivity by the staff. She serves the 700 employees by providing all manner of meals and snacks from her self-service micro-market. Not only has she built a successful business but also started a “Little Library” book exchange in the breakroom with her own books and bookshelf.
Donna is truly an example of how to work hard for your goals, find success and bring a little joy to those around you along the way.
-Jason Birmingham, BEO I
