BY Brooke McPherson, Communications and Engagement Associate, The Funders Network

At TFN, we believe our strength lies in our people, and we take pride in recognizing the expertise and commitment of our team members. This month, we’re excited to spotlight one of TFN’s Program Associates, Hazel Paguaga!

Hazel plays a key role in supporting several of TFN’s initiatives and working groups and is a vital part of our team’s day-to-day operations. We caught up with Hazel to learn more about her work and background. And in honor of TFN’s 25th Anniversary theme Be Bold Together, we also asked Hazel what boldness means to her.

TFN: Hi Hazel! We’re thrilled to have you as our very first TFN team member spotlight! Can you tell us about your role here at TFN?

Hazel:  Hey there! I support the Inclusive Economies working group, Mobility and Access Collaborative and Philanthropic Preparedness, Resiliency and Emergency Partnership (PPREP) cohort.

I help keep things running while weaving TFN’s values throughout our programming. I schedule meetings, take notes, input data into Salesforce, coordinate webinar logistics, run the Zoom room to ensure a smooth process during webinars, process recordings and send out webinar resources.

For our in-person meetings, I coordinate everything from catering to lodging to transportation and anything else in between to make sure we have a successful gathering. I keep information flowing and send out bi-monthly email roundups for Inclusive Economies and MAC with the latest news, resources and upcoming events.

If you’re looking for general information on these programs, I can point you in the right direction. I also add jobs to our job board so if you ever have something you’d like to share email jobs@fundersnetwork.org!

TFN: Wow, that’s a lot! Where are you from?

Hazel: My family immigrated from Nicaragua to Miami, where I was born and raised. Currently, I’m living in San Antonio!

TFN: You’ve been with TFN since 2019. Do you have a special moment or memory you’d like to share?

Hazel: My favorite memory with TFN was visiting Montana with the PPREP cohort last year. Being able to visit the communities in Red Lodge and Fromberg and hear from them directly about their disaster preparedness and recovery efforts. The drive through the Beartooth Mountains was amazing and a little scary!

Hazel pictured with TFN’s Maureen Lawless and Danyelle O’Hara in Montana

TFN: And what about a fun fact about yourself?

Hazel: I love horror movies, even though I watch them through my fingers sometimes. I love a good scare!

TFN: As you know, The Funders Network is celebrating our 25th Anniversary and our theme for the year is Be Bold Together. What does boldness mean to you?

Hazel: Boldness means pushing yourself to do the things you’re hesitant or scared to do. It can look like taking a risk and trying something new when others around you are going on a different path.

Thank you, Hazel, for giving us a behind-the-scenes look at all the meaningful ways you support TFN’s work. Your dedication to our mission, infectious positivity and generosity shine through in everything you do — and we’re so lucky to have you as part of TFN’s team!

Keep an eye out for next month’s team member spotlight as we continue to celebrate the people who bring bring boldness and joyful purpose to this work.

Hazel also was the mastermind behind our TFN’s 25th Anniversary Conference playlist!