Az Big Media will be profiling one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2025 each day leading up to the celebratory dinner on August 21, 2025. Today, meet LaDonna Weaver, senior vice president – project manager and Tempe strategic initiative manager at at Northern Trust.

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LaDonna Weaver, Northern Trust

Background: With a remarkable 29-year career at Northern Trust, LaDonna Weaver serves as Senior Vice President – Project Manager and Tempe Strategic Initiative Manager. Since stepping into her current role in May 2023, she has made significant strides in strengthening the Northern Trust brand and fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusion—both within the company and in the broader Tempe community.

Over the past two years, LaDonna has been instrumental in driving employee engagement and community outreach. She helps oversee eleven employee-led Business Resource Councils, working closely with these groups to champion diversity and empower voices at all levels. Her leadership extends beyond the organization, mentoring colleagues and supporting women veterans through Valley of the Sun United Way, Women United, and American Corporate Partners.

LaDonna credits one of her greatest professional accomplishments to the bold leap of relocating to Arizona to build a team within Asset Management. “Picking up my family and starting fresh in a new state to successfully build a team—that was a defining moment for me,” she reflects.

Her career journey began far from finance—as a correctional officer in Nashville, inspired by dreams of becoming an FBI Agent. “I always joke about this,” she says with a smile, “but here I am 29 years later in financial services—and still wanting to be an FBI Agent!”

Grounded in humility and perseverance, LaDonna lives by her personal motto: “Always follow your dreams. No matter how many times you are knocked down, get up and keep doing your best. You are an individual—no one can take what you’ve achieved from you. Always stay humble and true to yourself.”

LaDonna’s story is one of strength, purpose, and unwavering support for others—and her journey is far from over.

Celebratory dinner

The 2025 honorees will be celebrated at a special awards dinner on August 21, 2025, at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. Sponsors of the Most Influential Women in Arizona reception and dinner include presenting sponsor Phillips Law Foundation, cover photo shoot sponsor Greenberg Traurig, VIP red carpet sponsor Vertex Education and Legacy Traditional Schools, dessert sponsor Silver Cain, beverage sponsor Arizona Escrow & Financial Corporation, 360 photo booth sponsor Clayco, digital sponsor Ganem Companies, fine jewelry sponsor Osborne Jewelers, and special gift sponsor Tarbell’s. Get tickets here.