Spotlight: Donna Roberts

Q: Tell us about yourself!
A: I’m a proud Arkansas native, born and raised on a farm in Waldron, AR. For the past six months, I’ve been part of the Kitestring team, where I work as a QA engineer for Sam’s Club.

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: I have a deep love for the outdoors and enjoy several pursuits that take me into the woods. Hiking with my Blue Heeler, Gomer, is one of my favorite ways to explore nature. I’m also passionate about mountain biking, which led me to become a coach with Bike School Bentonville. I volunteer with AR NICA as a coach for the Haas Hall Team and serve as a member of the race team responsible for organizing and managing competitions for student-athletes. Additionally, I work with Arkansas Race Solutions to help put together and manage local races for the community.

Q: What led you to this career? Were you influenced by anyone or anything?
A: I interned with IBM, where I worked with Point of Sale equipment and enjoyed the unique challenges presented by the 4690 and Sky operating systems. While I have gained experience in various aspects of retail, my true passion lies in Quality Assurance. I thrive on the analytical process of software testing, uncovering discrepancies, and solving complex puzzles to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

Q: What have you been most proud of accomplishing since joining Kitestring? (personal or professional or both)
A: Joining the Sam’s Club team has empowered me to make an immediate impact, and every day presents new opportunities to expand my expertise in Quality Assurance. I’m inspired by the challenge of continuous learning and the chance to contribute meaningfully from day one.

Q: What’s one thing – either industry-related or not – you learned in the last month?
A: I’m diving into learning Eggplant and exploring its current implementation, gaining hands-on experience with the tools and processes in place. This has been a valuable opportunity to deepen my understanding and contribute to the success of the project.

Q: What keeps you motivated?
A: I have a true passion for coaching and mentorship, as I believe in the power of sharing knowledge and helping others grow. Whether it’s guiding a mountain biking student, providing leadership on a team, or supporting my own children, I find great fulfillment in helping others learn and develop. I see coaching as an opportunity to not only teach new skills but also to foster confidence, collaboration, and resilience in those I work with. This love for learning and teaching extends beyond my professional life into my personal role as a parent, where I aim to instill the same values of curiosity, growth, and empowerment in my family.

Q: Where is your favorite destination to travel to, and why?
A: My favorite destination is wherever the unbeaten path leads me. It’s not about a specific place but the adventure of exploring nature in its purest form—away from the crowds, off the beaten track. Whether it’s winding trails in the woods, hidden mountain paths, or quiet lakesides, I find solace in the raw beauty of nature’s untouched corners. There’s something special about discovering these hidden gems, where the journey itself becomes just as meaningful as the destination. It’s about embracing the sense of freedom, connection, and peace that only nature can offer.

Q: What do you do to unwind after a busy day?
A: After work, I find balance and fulfillment in activities like going to the gym and biking. The gym is not just a place for physical exercise; it’s a space where I challenge myself, push my limits, and embrace personal growth. It’s a reminder that progress, whether mental or physical, comes through consistency and effort. Biking, on the other hand, is my way of connecting with the outdoors. It allows me to escape, clear my mind, and recharge. Whether it’s tackling new trails or exploring familiar routes, biking offers a sense of freedom and adventure that rejuvenates my spirit. Both of these activities are more than hobbies to me—they are ways to cultivate resilience, maintain my well-being, and continue learning in different aspects of life.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A: The only moment you can truly change, or influence is the present moment.

Q: What, if anything, are you currently binge-watching? Or reading?
A: I’m currently part of three book clubs and enjoying a variety of reads. Right now, I’m diving into The Fire Keeper by J.C. Cervantes, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab, and Glue: Transforming Leadership in a Hybrid World by John Dore. For a bit of entertainment, I’m binge-watching Reacher on Amazon Prime.

Q: What do you like most about working at Kitestring?
A: The people are truly exceptional, and the collaborative environment fosters a deep sense of support and encouragement, inspiring individuals to reach their professional goals. They genuinely care about your success and are dedicated to helping you achieve your aspirations.

Q: Who inspires you and why?
A: I find inspiration in many outlets, but what truly resonates with me is the mantra “Always be Curious.” It’s a concept I’ve encountered in various forms, but the real game changer for me was discovering it in Carol S. Dweck’s Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. That’s when I consciously began choosing curiosity as a guiding principle in my life. It opened my eyes to the power of growth, learning, and embracing challenges from a place of genuine curiosity.