SWB Board Members:
- Doncella Young : Founder
founded the StrongWomenBelieve.org nonprofit to convey and champion the concept that mature women have become too tired to advocate and support their own health and well-being. She began by observing that most medical studies did not include women in the population universe. Current all-consuming passion and activity is Olympic weightlifting (Snatch and Clean & Jerk), Doncella didn't set out to become a competitive weightlifter. While always enjoying working out and being fit, she never dreamed of competing as a weightlifter. She may never have researched her unique health needs had she not been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, at only 33 years old; click on the link below and search (Doncella) to see confirmed competition results.
• 2025 USA Weightlifting champion (Domestic and International) 65-69 86K
• 2024 USA Weightlifting champion (US national)
• 2023 USA weightlifting champion (US national)
Prior to her competition and advocacy epiphanies, Doncella was a financial professional and seasoned business analyst/advisor, with a range of experience in commercial and residential mortgage banking, non-profit operational improvement; held positions on several Boards Director. - Carla Gregor : Operations , legal background, Fitness, Wellness, Self-Advocacy
Operations , legal background, Fitness, Wellness, Self-Advocacy Carla grew up in a small town in Ohio. She swam competitively and at 17 years old she ranked second in her age group in backstroke in the State of Ohio. Her senior year of high school she served as President of Ohio Office Education Association and went around the State of Ohio giving speeches about office education. During this time, she is a secretary at First National Bank and secretary to the Wapakoneta Chamber of Commerce. At age 19 she relocated by herself to the Washington DC area and held secretarial and managerial positions at the FBI, Congressional offices, trade associations and various law firms including the firm of Covington & Burling from which she retired from in 2025 after 25 years of service. Carla founded Start Right Fitness and took women from the couch to running their first 5K and further distances for 14 years. For 20+ years she worked as an administrative assistant and bookkeeper for several small businesses in the evening and weekends. She has taught swimming lessons since she was 18, including coaching Special Olympic swim teams, water exercises classes and teaches inline skating lessons. She served on the Boards of The Wildlife Rescue League, Washington Area Rollerbladers and OPSEC. She volunteers as a wildlife rehabber in Lorton for raccoons and foxes and as a DC Guardian for Triad Honor Flights. In her spare time, she knits, crochets and weaves baskets. She has been and still is a mom to many rescue dogs and cats. - Carrie McMillian : Community, social connectability, Education
Carrie McMillan is an early childhood educator with over 20 years of experience working in various educational settings. She holds a BS in Early Education, an MA in Christian Studies and a M. Ed in Curriculum and Instruction, with a focus in Special Ed. Carrie currently is teaching Bible to preschoolers and has recently become Executive Director of a nonprofit corporation in Tn called God's Kidz. She is a native of East Tennessee she loves her family and enjoys fellowship with her church family. Carrie looks forward to working on the board of directors for Strong Women Believe as she has watched many women walk through personal health journeys. Knowing how important education is, how knowledge and understanding lead to using wisdom, Carrie firmly believes the work and effort of Strong Women Believe will enable women to take bolder steps in their personal health journey and equip women with the knowledge, understanding and wisdom to fight for a healthier outcome! With many blessings to you!
Family motto: Change anything that needs changing. - Sheryl Grumney : Strategy, Management Fitness, Wellness
Strategy, Management Fitness, Wellness Sheryl Grumney brings experience as a college athlete, coach, and mentor to her role as a board member. She is a lifelong learner with a passion for empowering women to pursue strength, health, and personal growth.
“Honor your commitments with integrity.” Les Brown - Commitment