After obtaining a University of Leeds
BA (Hons) Degree at Ripon campus in 1992, Donna started working in a small accountancy firm in Leeds.

She married Robin Stride in 1994.

After transferring to a firm of accountants in Ripon to gain further experience, she helped to develop
R Stride & Co, whilst Robin was still working full time in Leeds.

In the early years of R Stride & Co, although Robin did most of the client contact, it was Donna who produced most of the work.