The Don Diego Scholarship Foundation has welcomed Donna Majoy O’Leary to its Board of Directors. She was elected this fall as the Foundation prepares to embark upon its 40th anniversary year and open its 2026 college scholarship application process in January.

Ms. O’Leary is no stranger to Don Diego or the San Diego County Fair with which the Foundation is associated. She worked for the 22nd DAA, home of the Fair, for 30 years. It became a family affair when her two sons started to work at the Fair as teenagers. John, her younger son, won a 2015 Don Diego Employee scholarship, which supported him at Cal State University San Marcos, where he earned a BA in Art, Media, and Design.

Ms. O’Leary amassed an impressive, decades-long tenure at the Fair, progressing from Media Assistant to Executive Secretary/Executive Assistant for the Fair’s CEO; ultimately serving as Office Manager until her retirement this fall. She relates, “I gained a familiarity and respect for Don Diego by attending and taking minutes for the CEO at Foundation meetings. I also volunteered at Don Diego’s annual Gala.”

Now, she reports, “I am excited to be part of an organization whose mission I admire. Having resided in San Marcos since 1998, I have seen many stellar students in our community feel valued and validated by receiving a scholarship that helps them achieve their educational and career goals. I am eager to contribute and bring my voice to the mix of Board members, who have attained success in diverse fields.”

Don Diego Executive Director Ashley McCaughan, who herself is a past scholarship recipient, states, “We look forward to enjoying Donna’s energy and expertise on our Board. Her knowledge and passion for Don Diego will enhance our organization.”

The Don Diego Scholarship Foundation was named for Don Diego, AKA Tom Hernandez, who served as San Diego County Fair’s welcoming goodwill ambassador from 1947-1984. Since its inception in 1986, the Foundation has awarded $1,510,344 in scholarships to 434 students and in Plant*Grow*Eat agriculture education grants, which enable elementary students from San Diego area Title 1 schools to learn about agriculture and nutrition while enjoying a day at the Fairgrounds.