Quixote Foundation, Inc.

Erik M. Hanisch expands on a fourth-generation legacy of progressive compassion. He is inspired by a family tradition of helping others, and driven
by a strong personal commitment to social and political action. Although his Quixote Foundation colleagues have dubbed him "lofty romantic," he leads a practical approach to grantmaking that includes a healthy dose of advocacy and encourages diverse organizations to work strategically together. Erik has been a Quixote Foundation board member since 1997, and the foundation's president since 2002. He has played bass in several bands, all the while secretly wishing he was the drummer.

Lenore M. Hanisch brings expertise in journalism and event management to her triple roles as Quixote Foundation family member, board member and, since 2003, executive director (a/k/a The Energizer E.D.). Her activism begins by choosing green, socially equitable and progressive ways to manage home and office, and it extends to working closely with grantee organizations, promoting their overall health as well as specific initiatives. Lenore's board colleagues have described her as "new and lovely" for her refreshing approach to Quixote Foundation's work. "I am going to save one seven-foot diameter tree, even if I actually have to hug it," says Lenore of her current priorities.

Strong role models have encouraged director Martha Vukelich-Austin to put her concern about social issues into action through volunteer work for many nonprofit groups and political campaigns. She is dedicated to progressive change, improving the world her children live in and encouraging them to become activists in turn. The Quixote Foundation board regards her as "good medicine" for the way she combines obvious passion with thoughtful ideas. Martha feels she's the lucky one, to be able to serve: "All of us benefit by being able to make a difference on these important issues."

As Quixote Foundation administrative assistant, Kayoko Mathews has a magician's skill for keeping multiple objects in motion so smoothly others can't see how she does it. Born in the United States and raised in Japan, she is fluent in both languages and draws from the two cultures to create her own approach. She has a degree in anthropology and has studied in Ladakh, India and Florence, Italy. Before joining Quixote Foundation in 2007, she was an administrative assistant and educator. Her colleagues describe Kayoko as "ready set go" for the way she jumps right into new challenges with determination and a smile.

Sara Watson's gift for staying organized under pressure is unwrapped (but never unraveled) in her daily work as executive assistant to the Quixote Foundation executive director and board. Before joining the staff in 2007, she managed political and fundraising campaigns and also a professional wedding coordination service, helping some 130 couples get hitched in Seattle and Maui. Sara's colleagues think her title should be "professional enthusiast" both on and off the job. She leads an informal group of friends through monthly nonprofit projects as well as tackling multiple volunteer roles of her own. Sara has a sociology degree focused on social inequality, so Quixote Foundation is a natural home for her education, passions and skills.

June Wilson's talent for translating movement into meaningful patterns is a terrific fit for her role as Quixote Foundation operations manager. With some 20 years experience in performing arts organizations, she understands people's physical and emotional interactions within a literal, conceptual or practical space and can quickly translate what she sees into operational systems. In addition to serving as CEO, COO and holding other nonprofit leadership positions, June has been an independent dancer, choreographer, advisor, NEA panelist and board volunteer. Her colleagues swear she inhabits a trio of mutable roles as "mother/daughter/sister," encouraging their achievement in deeply empathetic ways. June's giggle is one of the greatest sounds ever heard around Quixote Foundation.