DONNA VOGEL

The Joann and Gifford Phillips Family and the Board of Directors of the Chamiza Foundation are deeply saddened by the death of Donna Vogel, our beloved and greatly respected executive director.

We will be forever grateful for her passion, hard work and positive energy which helped advance Chamiza Foundation’s mission of cultural preservation. During her 12 years overseeing our foundation, Donna was responsible for the implementation of nearly 200 grants to almost all of the 19 New Mexican Pueblos. Through her outreach to the pueblo communities, Donna was known as a friend and enthusiastic champion to many Chamiza recipients, their projects and causes.

This synergy empowered cultural "living" projects which exist today as continuing programs throughout the pueblos. Donna first came to our enchanted land in 1999 with her life-long partner, soulmate and husband, John Vogel. She was the director of Cornerstones from 2000 -2006, a non-profit organization, and former part of the Santa Fe Community Foundation, which preserves architectural heritage for Northern New Mexico. Donna continued her passionate commitment for pueblo cultural preservation when taking on the executive directorship of the Chamiza Foundation in 2006. In addition, to these responsibilities, Donna was a longtime member and current chairperson of the New Mexico Grant Makers Association. The Chamiza Foundation has continued to enhance it’s vision during these last 12 years and Donna’s lasting imprint will be the gateway to our future. Our deepest condolences to John, her daughter, Michelle Tanabe, and her three adored grandchildren. We will miss her more than can be known.