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Our Story

DBU INC. was born out of both generational resilience and personal tragedy. Donna Bruce grew up witnessing her mother survive domestic violence and other traumatic experiences, shaping her understanding of strength and perseverance. She, too, became a survivor—overcoming domestic violence, human trafficking, and unimaginable hardships. But when she lost her son, Devon L. Wellington, to an overdose, she knew the cycle of trauma had to end.

With a deep commitment to breaking generational curses and ensuring that pain is not the final chapter, Donna transformed her grief into a powerful movement for healing and empowerment. She founded DBU INC. as a safe space where trauma survivors, bereaved mothers, and individuals affected by violence could reclaim their strength, find purpose through healing, and build a future rooted in resilience, leadership, and transformation.

 At DBU INC., we stand with survivors and Bereaved Mothers, proving that from pain comes purpose, power, and lasting change.

My First Heart Beat
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Meet The Founder

Donna Bruce: Advocate, Leader, & Innovator 

Donna Bruce, Founder and CEO of DBU INC., is a visionary leader, Senior Stylist, author, social justice activist, Certified Life Coach, and Community Health Worker. A survivor of domestic violence, human trafficking, and addiction, Donna draws from 25 years of lived experience to advocate for trauma survivors and systemic change.

With over 30 years in the cosmetology industry, she has mentored aspiring stylists and served as Director of Education at local beauty schools. Her dedication to trauma-informed, peer-driven behavioral health services earned her the Michele Dear Award from On Our Own of Maryland. She also spearheaded the Destiny’s Dream Scholarship with fellow Baltimore stylists, and Healing City Baltimore to honor Destiny Harrison who was Murdered in her salon to support future student cosmetologists  to receive One Thousand Dollars towards supplies needed for their cosmetology programming at Mervo

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As a Johns Hopkins Bunting Fellow, Donna has championed legislation such as the True Freedom Act and House Bill 827. A street named after her late son serves as a tribute to her efforts to break generational cycles of trauma.

In collaboration with Healing City Baltimore and other local leaders, Donna spearheaded the Peer Navigator Program, which placed recovery specialists in Baltimore libraries to support those battling addiction and mental health challenges.

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Her advocacy has been featured by WBAL-TV, PBS (overdose crisis documentary), The Baltimore Sun (human trafficking feature), and Johns Hopkins Urban Health (personal journey of healing).

Donna’s mission is to empower trauma survivors, bereaved mothers, and those affected by violence, turning pain into purpose and fostering healing, advocacy, and systemic reform.

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Her dedication to healing and advocacy is further commemorated by a street named in memory of her late son, emphasizing her unwavering belief that healing is possible.

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Donna Bruce Media Coverage

Donna Bruce has been featured across various media platforms, highlighting her advocacy for trauma survivors, community leadership, and personal journey. Below are some notable highlights:

Interviews and Articles

  • "From Struggle to Resilience: An Advocate’s Journey"
    An in-depth interview where Donna discusses her path from personal loss to becoming a beacon of hope for others.
    Read the full article

  • "Donna Bruce, Bringing Light to Life’s Tribulations"
    An article detailing Donna's commitment to helping others overcome substance misuse challenges, inspired by her own life experiences.
    Read the full article

  • "Media Coverage of Human Trafficking"
    An exploration of how media shapes public understanding of human trafficking, featuring insights from advocates like Donna Bruce.
    Read the full article

  • "Donna Bruce Appointed to Trauma-Informed Care Task Force"
    Coverage of Donna's appointment to Baltimore's Trauma-Informed Care Task Force, emphasizing her role in shaping city policies.
    Read the full article

  • "Enoch Pratt Free Library Expands Peer Navigator Program"
    An article detailing Donna's role in expanding peer navigation services to combat opioid-related deaths in Baltimore.
    Read the full article

  • "Healing City Baltimore: Council President Zeke Cohen's Initiative"
    An overview of Council President Zeke Cohen's efforts to implement trauma-informed policies, featuring insights from Donna Bruce.
    Read the full article

Television Features

  • "Baltimore Fashion Show Honors Bereaved Parents"
    Coverage of Donna's initiative to connect with grieving parents through a fashion show, emphasizing healing and community.
    Watch the segment

  • "The Club Nobody Wants To Be In: Bereaved Parents Find Community at Baltimore Fashion Show"
    A segment focusing on Donna's efforts to create a supportive community for grieving parents through her fashion show.
    Watch the segment

  • "Peer Navigators Are Looking to Expand Their Reach in Baltimore to Reduce Opioid Overdoses"
    A segment featuring Donna Bruce and the efforts to expand peer navigation services in Baltimore.
    Watch the segment

Video Interviews

  • "Who is Donna Bruce?"
    A personal narrative showcasing Donna's resilience and dedication to empowering trauma survivors.
    Watch the video

  • "Baltimore Interviews in Maryland with Community Advocate Donna Bruce"
    An engaging interview discussing Donna's advocacy work and impact within the community.
    Watch the video

  • "DBU Fashion Show DMV"
    A video showcasing highlights from the DBU Fashion Show, emphasizing the organization's commitment to supporting trauma survivors.
    Watch the video

  • "The Allison & Marc Podcast: Donna Bruce"
    A discussion with Donna about her upcoming event, DBU's 2nd Annual Hair and Fashion Show honoring bereaved parents.
    Watch the interview

  • "She Suffered as a Victim of Human Trafficking as a Young Adult, Now Donna Bruce Has Dedicated Her Life to Other Victims of Trauma"
    An interview where Donna shares her journey from victim to advocate, dedicating her life to supporting other trauma survivors.
    Watch the interview

  • "Donna Bruce Annual Hair and Fashion Show [Official Trailer] 2"
    A promotional video highlighting the themes of grief and elegance in Donna's fashion show.
    Watch the trailer

Additional Links and Media Coverage

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Upcoming Workshops & Events 

Black Barbies
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Black Barbies

#community #cosmetology #nonprofit #teaching #ourculture #blackbarbie #barbiegirl @nickiminaj
A Night of Healing for Bereaved Mothers
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A Night of Healing for Bereaved Mothers

Who is Donna Bruce?
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Who is Donna Bruce?

A Story of Resiliency!!
July 23, 2023
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July 23, 2023

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Press

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