Ana Tisaj was a beloved member of The Winnipeg Foundation staff. You may have met her at one of our community events – she was a welcoming presence at our Grants Information Sessions, Vital Conversations, and Annual Highlights Celebration. If you work with a community organization who has received funding from The Foundation, you’ve probably connected with Ana to ask questions about applying for a grant, payments, or submitting a report – she was the friendly voice on the other end of those calls and emails.
Ana joined The Winnipeg Foundation in January 2015 as a receptionist, and quickly moved to the Grants Team, where it was her job to support community organizations applying for funding. Ana’s patience, good humour, and positive attitude made her perfect for this role. She believed in the work of The Foundation and loved being able to support community. A highlight of her work was seeing community organizations in action and meeting the inspiring people bringing our grants to life.
Ana took pride in how The Foundation supported community during the pandemic. In her role as Grants Administrative Coordinator it was her job to enter and pay out the grants that went to frontline organizations that were making sure people had their essential needs met, and she was proud to play a role in that community-wide effort.
In January Ana was promoted to Grants Management System Specialist, reflecting her key role in the development and implementation of The Foundation’s new grants management system. She took on this challenge with her typical gusto and positive outlook, patiently helping agencies and her colleagues on the Grants Team adapt to the new system.
Ana went out of her way to make people feel special. An incredibly perceptive person, she knew what people needed and generously gave it, from practical (and funny!) parenting tips and gentle teasing about questionable fashion choices to kind words when someone was going through a difficult time. She always had a twinkle in her eye and could be a bit mischievous at times. With Ana around, work was always fun.
Outside of the office, Ana was a proud mom of two boys, Lucas and Nathan. She often shared stories about their adventures and accomplishments.
Ana passed away on February 10, 2022, after a brief illness. She is missed by all who knew her. A fund has been established at The Winnipeg Foundation in her honour, ensuring her love of community will continue.
This story is featured in the Spring 2022 issue of our Working Together magazine. Download or view the full issue on our Publications page.
