By Laura Anne Bird | Photography by Hillary Schave
Felicia Raye Diny is very open about what gets her out of bed every day.
“I’m a survivor of domestic abuse, and during the hardest moments of my life, I had to rebuild from nothing,” she says. “I started my nonprofit, Felicia’s Donation Closet, in 2019 so women and children escaping abuse could have the furniture, household essentials and support they need to start safe, stable new lives.”
Thanks to collaborations with other organizations in Dane County, Diny has helped furnish homes for nearly 600 women and children moving out of shelters, and this number continues to grow.
Diny says the furnishings and other goods delivered by her team make a huge difference.
“Every child who gets their own bed, every mother who feels hope again — that’s my motivation. Home should feel like a sanctuary.”
In 2026, Diny aims to purchase a warehouse so Felicia’s Donation Closet can expand its storage and improve operations. She also plans to add a second moving truck to double organizational capacity. She wants to grow her volunteer team and bring on paid staff, too.
Diny knows her vision is bold, but she’s eager for the challenge.
“Rebuilding my life after abuse taught me strength I didn’t know I had. I took my pain and turned it into purpose,” she explains.
In her (limited) free time, Diny has started Glowing Generations, a skincare company that fits seamlessly with her day job. After watching her mother struggle with eczema, she researched the benefits of beef tallow, ultimately creating a cream perfect for troubled skin. In 2026, her skincare company will will donate 5% of its sales to Felicia’s Donation Closet.
How do you define impact, and what does that look like in your work?
“I know I’m making an impact when a family can sleep safely in their own home with dignity and stability. Fully furnished apartments lead to reduced stress for survivors and a foundation from which to heal and move forward.”
