Donna Arriaga Edmonds was born in New York to parents who emigrated from Guatemala. She was the first in her family to graduate from high school and pursue a college degree. She obtained BAs in political science and writing and linguistics from Georgia Southern. She received a MA in public administration from the University of Georgia, concentrating on higher education and nonprofit management. Donna began her time with Beyond 12 as a college coach working with HSF GO Scholars and currently supports and manages the Atlanta office and partners. Donna strives to enhance the opportunities of underrepresented groups within the education system.