Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

Growing up in Haywood County, the sixth of ten children born to Robert and Viola Forga, I learned the importance of hard work and that giving back to the community was not an option, but a requirement.

When I graduated in 1981, like many young girls, I married right out of high school, got a job at a local sewing plant and had two beautiful children. Before my children started kindergarten, I found myself a single mother with no secondary education and limited job skills. When I lost my job at the sewing plant, I began attending Haywood Community College as part of a "dislocated workers" program. I continued to work, baking biscuits and McDonald's, cutting firewood, cleaning rooms at local hotels, while earning a bachelor's degree at UNC-Asheville in Literature and Language. From there, I spent two years as an Americorps VISTA before beginning law school at the University of Chapel Hill. 

My children and I moved to Chapel Hill and worked together as a team to get me through law school and the two of them through middle and high school. When I graduated, we moved back home where I went into practice in 2001. I have worked with other attorneys and for Legal Aid of North Carolina before settling in to a solo practice in 2005.

I currently live in Clyde, and am remarried to Nick Kellas. Between the two of us, we have three daughters and a son, three sons-in-law, and eight beautiful grandchildren. I have served my community on numerous boards and am currently Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of Haywood Community College.

After graduating from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Law in 2000, I began practicing in 2001. Since that time, I have handled cases in all areas that come before the district court, and although practicing primarily in Haywood County, have represented clients in all seven counties of the 30th Judicial District. I have represented clients in over 700 criminal cases (both misdemeanors to major felonies), 450 domestic cases (including divorce, child custody and support, and equitable distribution), and nearly 100 cases involving allegations of abuse and neglect of children (representing both Guardians ad litem and parents). While working for Legal Aid of North Carolina, I represented victims in an additional 160 domestic violence cases. 

As one of ten children born to Robert and Viola Forga, I was taught that our talents and abilities are best used in service to our fellow man.  Hard work, determination, and a strong sense of community were the standards set for me by my parents.  I have exhibited those qualities through my commitments to pursue a law degree as a single mother, work as a domestic violence attorney for Legal Aid, and in opening my law practice.  I know how to work diligently to address the overwhelming dockets with which our district court judges are faced.  I have a demonstrated ability to follow through on a task until it is complete.

Having been a part of the court system through divorce and child support proceedings before I ever became a lawyer, I understand the fear, confusion, and pain associated with appearing in those unfamiliar surroundings when so much is at risk. I intimately understand the importance of being treated with fairness, respect, and courtesy during those difficult times.  It is my primary goal to treat everyone that comes before me with the dignity that I was shown.  

I am, Donna Forga, an experienced candidate for District Court Judge, and I would appreciate your vote and support.