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 co-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 colleagues describe her as a “free-range rebel” for the way she combines both courage and conscience. “I am going to save one seven-foot diameter tree, even if I actually have to hug it,” says Lenore of her current priorities.

June Wilson’s talent for translating movement into meaningful patterns is a terrific fit for her work as Quixote Foundation co-executive director and board member. 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 strategic 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.

Aana Lauckhart finds inspiration and power in community.  Her colleagues call her a “true believer” for the way she puts heart, soul, mind and warmth into everything she does.  As Quixote Foundation partnership and outreach director, she builds the foundation’s close relationships with nonprofit groups, funders and other collaborators. Before joining our team, she administered a family foundation involved in the arts, social justice and the environment. Aana is a life-long Washingtonian whose homes growing up included a tipi east of the Cascades and an apartment above the Pike Place Fish Market.  She travels as much as she can, valuing stories told around a table as the most worthwhile “souvenirs.”  Aana lives in West Seattle along with three chickens and a hopeful, if not entirely productive, vegetable garden.  She welcomes advice about the perfect tomato.