Q&A – Donna Werking, Owner of Northern AZ Social, LLC

Q: What brought you to Prescott, and how long have you been here? 
A: I spent my last three years of high school on the East Coast in Delaware. Once I graduated, I was offered a full ride academic and volleyball scholarship to DSU, but Arizona was calling me back. My immediate family lives in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. However, my grandparents lived in Prescott, AZ, at the time — a more desirable place for me. I relocated to Prescott to continue my college education and have now lived here for 25 years. 
Q: How did you become interested in your career field? 
A: I have always had a knack for business and problem solving. Yet, I loved to dance, draw and paint in my youth. I knew I would lean toward a career where I could use my creative talents and to continue to grow my skillset. 
Q: What is the biggest challenge of your job? 
A: The biggest challenge in marketing is staying abreast of all the new technologies and resources available to us. 
Q: What is the greatest reward of your job? 
A: Having a career in an industry that never sleeps. With digital, I’m consistently learning new strategies. Nothing makes me happier than helping a small, growing business reach their goals. 
Q: Where would you like to vacation next and why? 
A: Thailand is definitely on the list. My mother is from Thailand. I met my family for the first time three years ago in Nakhon Ratchasima, a rural country town. 
Q: If you could have dinner with any three to five people (dead or alive) who would it be? 
A: My father, my grandmother and grandfather, who have all passed. I met my father for the first time when I turned 40. He passed away in March 2020. We did not get the opportunity to make up for lost time. I chose my grandparents from Thailand because we never met. I understand my grandfather was a well-respected man of the community in Nakhon Ratchasima. My grandmother had nine children during a time of hardship. I would have so many questions for them. 
Q: What is the last book you read, and what did you enjoy about it most? 
A: I’m currently reading “Lord of the Flies” to my son. It was one of my favorites as a child. The theme is to explore the defects of society. It seems fitting for our time. 
Q: What is your favorite Prescott activity? 
A: With 25 years in Prescott, I have only scratched the surface when it comes to exploring our 450+ miles of hiking trails. I imagine I have another 45 years to explore a few more gems. 
www.northernazsocial.com