Donna Drake is an international award-winning creative artist, writer, producer and actress. Donna is best known as the creator, producer, and host of television and web-based program, Live it Up! with Donna Drake. With 20 plus years’ experience in the entertainment industry, she has credits in film, television, radio, and stage as a performer, as well as a creative player in the strategic brand marketing industry.
A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Donna is a 1983 graduate of Hazelwood Central High School and received an Associate of Art in Advertising Design and Creative Art from St. Louis Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Communications from Maryville University.
Early Career
Donna showcased her beauty, talent and scholastic achievement at an early age, winning the title of North County Junior Miss in 1983. From 1977-1987, she was a member of the patriotic singing group, Futures of America. Drake was later named to the board of directors for that same group. She performed for former presidents and at Disney World.
Donna followed her passion for art and music and spent most of her early career at Technisonic Studios, selecting music and sound effects for radio and television commercials. She went on to produce and host various television, film and multimedia projects, including her popular public-access show "Indies Insider" – featuring intimate discussions with film directors and actors – and the art-world podcast "After Party."
An active voiceover talent and actress with a lengthy stage and screen résumé, she became director of creative services for WLNY-TV on Long Island in 1997, creating exclusive promotions for "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "Wheel of Fortune," "Jeopardy!" and other popular programs. She later served as director of client communications at the strategic marketing firm Progressive Marketing Group, where she developed client branding messages and hosted numerous successful podcasts.
Founding of Drake Media
In 2000, Donna formed Drake Media Productions, Inc. As president of the Drake Media Network, Donna provided PR and advertising services for top-tier clients throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, including The Melting Pot Restaurants, America's premier chain of fondue restaurants.
In 2008, Donna conceived of the idea of creating a motivational program that would provide hope and inspiration to an empowered audience. On April 9, 2009 "Live it Up TV Show" aired its inaugural program on Long Island TV 55. The show has since been renamed “Live it Up! with Donna Drake and has produced over 1,000 segments featuring celebrities, sports legends, business icons, medical experts, non-profits, and every day people with extraordinary stories to tell.
Philanthropy
A tireless fundraiser, Donna spearheaded the Huntington Arts Council's Laff-Off Comedy Competitions in 2003 and 2004 and the council's Got Talent? competition in 2009. She also created a Day of Beauty for breast cancer awareness and has helped raise money for countless nonprofit organizations, including the Long Island Cares food bank.
Donna has been an active member of many charity and support organizations, including Kids in Action, Futures of America, the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. She is a former executive board member of the Huntington Arts Council and a former board member of the Long Island Film/TV Foundation. Drake is currently an advisory board member of the Long Beach International Film Expo. Pro bono work includes creating marketing tools and television features for various non-profits including the TJ Martell Foundation.
Awards
Donna was named a Friend of the Foundation of the Long Island Film/TV Foundation in 2002 and one of Long Island's 100 Most Influential People in 2005.
She won the British Airways "Face to Face" competition as an international entrepreneur, and has received the Goddess Artemis Award from the Euro-American Women's Council, and a Global Citizenship award from the United Nations.
In 2015, Donna received the prestigious Media Award from the Crohn’ and Colitis Foundation, for her work in creating awareness for this organization.