The Republic honored Jean Donica in ceremonies Wednesday as the 2024 Woman of the Year, presenting her with the signature necklace that all recipients receive and a donation to her selected charity.
More than 100 people, including family, friends, previous Woman of the Year recipients and this year’s Women to Watch honorees celebrated Donica’s accomplishments in community development, real estate, help for those battling substance abuse disorder and her volunteer hours to her local church.
To see a video about Jean Donica, click the link. A Heart for People
In a tradition that has carried on since the Woman of the Year program began in the early 1980s, last year’s Woman of the Year, Paulette Roberts, presented the Woman of the Year custom-made necklace to Donica during the ceremony.
“I think she’s a wonderful pick,” Roberts said. “She’s been involved in a lot of activities here in Columbus, and I like the fact that she gets involved in things that affect children. It’s so important that our children are always thought of.”
Born and raised in Columbus, Donica began engaging with the community from an early age. She worked in numerous professions before earning her real estate license in 1984. Donica bought a RE/MAX franchise in 1989.
There, she began working with her daughter Annette, who supported Jean alongside other family members at the event.
When she is not volunteering, Donica enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren.
“I’m surprised she hasn’t gotten it (Woman of the Year) before now,” Sydney Donica, Jean’s granddaughter, said. “She doesn’t like the spotlight at all, that’s the best part is you almost have to force her to receive recognition.”
Donica attends St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Columbus, but also works behind the scenes planting and watering the flowers at the entrance. She also hosts Bible studies in her home for other members of the congregation as another way to encourage community fellowship.
She serves on the board of several organizations, including Bridge to Dove Recovery House. This group has established a recovery house with clinical services in Indianapolis, but Donica and other community members want to establish a recovery house in the Bartholomew County area. As the Woman of the Year receives $2,000 to donate to a charity, the choice was simple for Donica.
The resounding theme of the evening was bringing a woman who has spent her life behind the scenes into the spotlight. Julie McClure, editor of The Republic, echoed this sentiment with a comment at the beginning of the event.
“This year’s recipient is a community leader who has spent her life behind the scenes as an unsung volunteer, community benefactor, and mentor, guide and businesswoman who shares her talents in the nonprofit sector many times through her expertise in real estate,” McClure said.
Republic photo editor Mike Wolanin created a video of several of Donica’s closest colleagues and friends sharing her accomplishments with the crowd and talking about her dedication through her faith to the Columbus community.
At the closing of the event, Donica once again shared her appreciation for the community.
“You are all a part of my life,” Donica said. “Be united, do your part, meet people where they are. Go where the people are, where they need you.”
