Name: Donna Kuhn

Age: 52

Self definition: I am an inquisitive person with many diverse interests. I am most happy when I’m learning new things, being creative, speaking/teaching/performing, supporting causes I believe in (ACLU, animal welfare, etc.), and serving the community (president of the San Diego Folk Dance Center; official Parliamentarian for Toastmasters District 5, etc.).

Where were you at 9 a.m. last Sunday morning?

I was getting ready to go to church at VISION, a Center for Spiritual Living, in Tierrasanta. My partner and I were scheduled to play music for its barbecue party after the service.

What person has influenced you more than any other, and how?

Mr. Schneider, my high school band director; he never expected anything less than the best from me, and he urged me to take on several responsible positions in the band. Because of his positive influence, I decided that I wanted to be a music teacher, like him; I went to college and received my bachelor of fine arts in music education in 1980. Since, I have taught music and have played trumpet, guitar and bass guitar professionally.

When don’t you feel equal?

When my ego gets the best of me and I start comparing myself with others.

Where were you last Wednesday at noon?

I was at home eating lunch with my partner and our two dogs (and one foster dog). I work from home as an investor and stock options trader.

When was the last time you felt proud?

Just recently my partner and I celebrated our 10th anniversary. I am proud that our relationship has lasted this long, in the face of a society that chooses not to recognize or validate our relationship, in a country governed by a president who sought to change our Constitution to ban marriage between same-sex couples.

If there was a defining moment in your life, what was it?

Three years ago, my right breast was removed due to a giant Phylloides tumor. That was a true wake-up call for me to appreciate and cherish my health. Since, I’ve changed my diet and started folk dancing (I went down three pant sizes!), and started working with a Naturopathic Endocrinologist to improve my health even more.

Where were you at 10 p.m. last Friday night?

I had just arrived home with a first place trophy after competing in our Toastmasters Area 9 Humorous Speech Contest. I now go on to compete with the other area winners at the Southern Division contest in October.

What is your most immediate goal?

To have a new deck built in our back yard, so we can have a big-ass anniversary party

When do you feel total joy?

When I’m dancing, when I’m playing music, when I’m playing with my dogs, and when I’m making people laugh