March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the achievements and impact of remarkable women. At Marquis Health Consulting Services, we are spotlighting some of the fearless female leaders who help shape our organization.

In this special Women of Influence segment, we’re sitting down with Sharon Donaghue, whose leadership, vision, and dedication inspire those around her. Join us as she shares her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and what drives her passion for making a difference.

1. Throughout your career in senior care, what has been your guiding philosophy in leading teams and serving our aging population?

My guiding philosophy is rooted in servant leadership, patient-centered care, and continuous improvement. Exceptional care begins with an engaged, accountable team, and I prioritize fostering a culture of collaboration, transparency, and professional growth.

As the needs of our aging population evolve, my focus is on innovation, specialized programs, and strategic partnerships to enhance care quality and operational efficiency. Above all, I am committed to preserving dignity, safety, and well-being while ensuring sustainable success for our teams and facilities. I also believe in paying forward the patience and guidance that was given to me by sharing my experience with future leaders, helping to shape the next generation of senior care professionals.

2. The McKnight’s Wall of Honor is a prestigious recognition – how does this philosophy align with earning this distinguished honor?

The McKnight’s Wall of Honor reflects my commitment to servant leadership, patient-centered care, and mentoring future leaders. It’s a testament to the teams I’ve led, the innovations we’ve implemented, and the collective impact we’ve made in senior care.

3. The senior care industry has faced unprecedented challenges in recent years. Can you share a specific moment where your leadership approach made a crucial difference in navigating these challenges, and what insights could other healthcare leaders take from this experience?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our team faced unimaginable challenges—losing staff and patients while being the sole caregivers for loved ones the public couldn’t visit. In that crisis, staying calm, leading with compassion, and staying true to our mission of care became essential. By fostering trust, maintaining transparency, and prioritizing both safety and emotional support, we kept our team focused and resilient. Despite the hardships, we emerged stronger, with pride in our work and a deepened sense of purpose. The key lesson for healthcare leaders: in times of crisis, unwavering leadership, clear communication, and a steadfast commitment to your mission can carry your team through even the darkest moments.

4. Mentorship and developing future leaders are vital for our industry’s success. What advice would you give to emerging professionals, particularly women, who aspire to make a meaningful impact in senior care leadership?

Trust your intuition, it’s your North Star. In leadership, there will always be noise, doubt, and challenges, but confidence and belief in yourself will guide you forward. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you, seek mentors who push you to grow, and never be afraid to take up space in the room.

For women in senior care leadership, own your voice, lead with conviction, and lift others as you climb. The most impactful leaders are those who stay true to their values, make bold decisions, and create opportunities for the next generation.

5. Looking ahead, what do you believe are the most significant opportunities for transformation in senior care, and how can industry leaders best prepare their organizations for these changes?

The future of senior care demands a higher level of family, community, and medical involvement, because true success in a resident’s journey takes a village. As care becomes more complex and resources are stretched, the opportunity lies in deepening partnerships across healthcare, fostering transparency with families, and redefining collaboration.

To prepare, industry leaders must break silos—aligning hospitals, post-acute providers, and community resources around shared goals. Investing in technology, care coordination, and patient-centered models will drive better outcomes. But most importantly, leaders must cultivate a culture where everyone—families, clinicians, and communities—feels invested in the success of those we serve.

6. Is there a quote that inspires you and reflects how you try to live each day?

My favorite and how I TRY to live every day is embodied in the George Bernard Shaw quote.

“This is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. Being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it what I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”
― George Bernard Shaw

A big thank you to Sharon for sharing her story and insights! Be sure to stay tuned into our timeline all month long as we continue celebrating the incredible women who inspire and lead the way!