Inside Business 2022 Women in Business: Dona Overstreet, Security Storage & Van Co. of Norfolk

Job title: President, Security Storage & Van Co. of Norfolk.

At work: I oversee all functions of our moving and storage business, be it domestic or international business. Because I work for a small business, I must be well-versed in all positions in our organization, stepping in where I am needed.

Volunteer activities: Currently volunteer with Equi-Kids and its fundraising events. In the past, I have served as treasurer for Executive Women International, worked with Seton House, provided a truck for Susan G. Komen, worked with the H.E.R. Shelter, treasurer for Southeastern PTA, Samaritan House, Virginia Beach Task Force on Aging and Chesapeake 4-H Horse & Pony.

Home and family: Currently live in Virginia Beach, which is where my daughter, Rachel, and her family also reside. I have three beautiful granddaughters and expect a fourth grandchild in January. I grew up in Chesapeake and moved to Virginia Beach 12 years ago.

Motivating factor: I love helping people, starting with the people I work with, and volunteering for charity events. Nothing makes me feel better than giving of myself for those in need. I cannot begin to explain to someone young that giving is so much more fulfilling than taking and knowing you made a difference in someone’s life.

Advice for women in business: Get involved with your community! Pick an organization to be active in such as Rotary International, and make a difference in other lives — the reward is endless. You meet other businesspeople who help grow your personal and business life. Stay busy and continue learning; it is excellent for your brain health, and we all need that! Giving back to the community allows you to continue learning new things and what the needs are for our community, but the best reward is the way it makes you feel.

The one thing I would change about Hampton Roads: Regionalize Hampton Roads, encouraging local governments to pool resources, talent and efforts. This would create a larger budget for the area while saving taxpayers’ money.

Professional goal in five years: I have been a professional for 46 years working with companies such as Ford Motor, Beverly Enterprises and now Security Storage & Van Co., an Allied Van Lines agent. My goal in the next five years is to train my replacement and step down as president of the company. I want to continue with the company but in a different capacity so that I can spend more time with my grandchildren and working with charities in need.

Downtime: The beach, biking or just hanging out with my friends. Every Sunday afternoon, I enjoy cooking new recipes while listening to my favorite music.

What really gets under my skin: People who do not communicate face to face.