Donahue was the first female executive in MLB history and pioneered the sale of season tickets and other innovations.

[3] She also conceived of the idea of selling tickets at Western Union locations in addition to the box office.

Donahue held "Ladies' Day" promotions and sold discounted tickets to children younger than 12 years of age, helping baseball to evolve from a game watched by businessmen in suits to a family event.

[3][5] Donahue worked for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League in their box office when they played at Wrigley Field from 1921 into the 1930s.

[5] A 0.5-acre (0.20 ha) park on the North Side of Chicago on West School Street, a few blocks from Wrigley Field, is named for Donahue.