Common(s) Questions with Donna Moodie

Even if you haven’t had the opportunity to meet Donna Moodie (she/her), there’s a good chance you’ve tasted her food. Donna’s history in the Seattle area includes nearly 30 years as a restauranteur, most notably as the owner of Capitol Hill mainstay Marjorie.

Donna’s passion for bringing people together and creating community extends beyond the food industry. As executive vice president of community development for Community Roots Housing, Donna has been instrumental in helping build resiliency among residents and businesses in Central Seattle amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. She also serves as executive director of the Capitol Hill EcoDistrict.

Q: What’s your favorite part about your job?

A: Building community through food and connecting people.

Q: If you could grab coffee with any Seattleite, past or present, who would it be? Why?

A: Jacob Lawrence. While fascinated by his endurance and fame, I’m curious about the WPA, thinking programs like this could impact our current economic and political state.

Q: What’s the first place you take out-of-town guests?

A: Kubota Garden

Q: What’s one of your proudest moments as a Seattleite?

A: Chairing the board of the CD Forum

Q: Tell me you live in Seattle without telling me you live in Seattle.

A: I dress for rain without carrying an umbrella, and I pause at a four-way stop sign!

Caitlin Moran