Donna Cichani’s journey from architectural engineer to fintech innovator exemplifies the power of diverse experiences in shaping transformative leaders. Born to immigrant educators, Donna's upbringing instilled in her curiosity, problem-solving, and a deep appreciation for cultural diversity.

She studied architectural engineering and worked as an architect. Later, she discovered her passion for solving problems beyond architectural design and served as a service designer and researcher at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. Recognizing the transformative potential of technology in addressing complex societal challenges, Donna pursued a dual MBA/MA at Johns Hopkins University and the Maryland Institute College of Art.

At KPMG, Donna quickly distinguished herself by developing innovative digital solutions for Fortune 500 clients. She moved on to develop and lead JP Morgan Chase’s Navigator platform for account management, digital payments, risk, and investigations. Her entrepreneurial spirit then led her to startup Heal where she built a remote patient monitoring telehealth product. Donna is currently an executive at Valid, with a focus on building and managing AI/ML risk decisioning solutions. She is passionate about building financial literacy and equality tools for marginalized and immigrant communities.

Coming from a lineage of educators, passing on knowledge is a profound duty for me. Teaching Product and Service Design at my alma mater, the Maryland Institute College of Arts, allows me to fulfill this responsibility with passion and purpose. Having lived across various countries and immersed in diverse cultures, I thrive on the richness of perspectives different from my own. Curiosity drives me—I'm known for asking probing questions and my superpower lies in listening deeply to others' stories and viewpoints. Democratizing finance, innovating in healthcare, shaping urban design, and envisioning the future of mobility are passions close to my heart; I'm an avid reader, constantly exploring the latest in these fields. In my downtime, I find solace in swimming—once a competitive swimmer, now a leisurely pursuit that keeps me fit and centered. Painting and reading also bring me joy and serve as avenues for relaxation and inspiration.