Meet the New 2021 S4M Cohort Leader: Donna Freeman-Lott

We extend an enthusiastic welcome to Rev. Donna R. Freeman-Lott, our 2021 Cohort Leader. She brings a storehouse of gifts, insights, and experience to the position. Donna was raised Roman Catholic and for the first twenty-five years of her life worked and served in the Roman Catholic church as a layperson.  Donna’s initial desire was to become a Priest; however, in the Roman Catholic church, women are not allowed into that ministry. She later was led to the United Church of Christ (Trinity UCC) where, by the grace of God, she was encouraged to attend seminary. In 1993, Donna graduated from McCormick Theological Seminary. And in 1995, she was ordained in the United Church of Christ.

Over the years, Donna has worked in the fields of business, banking, the US Department of Treasury, and retail. Her experiences further encompass the areas of social services, counseling, administration, crisis outreach, mental health, and hospital liaising. Donna has served as an adjunct Instructor. Moreover, she has worked in the field of healthcare as a Board Certificated Chaplain in both the hospice and hospital settings. Most recently, she has been a volunteer coordinator and veteran liaison.

Her pastoral callings include service as an interim pastor and an assistant pastor. Currently, Donna serves as the associate pastor of Grace UCC, in Sauk Village Illinois.

Family is important to Donna. She is the daughter of Alvin J. Freeman, Jr. (deceased 2020) and Juanita S. Freeman. She married Bernard Lott in 2017; the couple has no children.

Overall, Donna’s greatest passion is to help to empower and encourage others. Like her sister, Chavonne (deceased­) would tell her, “God gave you gifts of loving, caring, empowering and speaking out for others; now use them to the Glory of God.” Donna’s belief is that God uses each person and his/her life experiences as empowering tools of ministry. That’s one reason Donna is delighted to become part of the Cohort Leadership for the School of Ministry.