Donna Fujimoto Cole is a third generation Japanese American born in Denver, Colorado and raised in the Rio Grande Valley.

In 1980, she founded Cole Chemical & Distributing, Inc. at the request of her customers in Houston, Texas who valued her responsiveness, quality standards and reliable delivery of industrial and process chemicals. Customers include Chevron, Exxon, Nippon Shokubai Americas, P66 and Toyota. She has started, sold, invested and divested many types of businesses, from drilling loss circulation materials, chemical manufacturing, real estate, chemical distribution, warehousing, blending and packaging.

Donna’s current leadership positions include: Commissioner on the Port of Houston’s Marine Pilot’s Board, the American Leadership Forum’s Houston Board, Mayor of Houston’s Asian Pacific American Advisory Board, The Rockwell Fund Board of Trustees, Houston Association of Producers Board, The Institute of Supply Management Executive Advisory Board, the U.S.- Japan Council’s Legacy Board and National Veterans Network Board Member Emeritus, Women’s Home Advisory Board, Advisory Board Member of the Friends of the National Asian Pacific American Museum, Hermann Park Conservancy Advisory Board and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston Flim Subcommittee.

Donna served on President George H.W. Bush’s Export Council. She was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays by the Japanese Emperor and Government of Foreign Affairs of Japan in November 2021.

Donna attended Pan American College and Southwest Texas Jr. College and earned a diploma at Manpower Business Training Institute in computer programming and operations. Her continuing education includes the business executive programs at the Amos Tuck School of Business, and she has also served on their Board of Trustees.

Donna tells great stories about strong women and supportive men in films, plays and musicals to inspire and motivate millions of women to take care of themselves, their families and their communities.