With A Stapler, A Dream, And A Tote: Joanna Gillespie’s Legacy Of Purpose, Possibility, And Philanthropy
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From left, UWNNM Director of Corporate & Community Engagement Donna Milanovich, LANL Philanthropic Outreach Specialist Joanna Gillespie and UWNNM Executive Director Cindy Padilla. Courtesy/UWNNM
By JEREMY VARELA
UWNNM
Joanna Gillespie’s journey is not one easily captured on a résumé. While her titles and roles trace a clear career path through New Mexico’s nonprofit and philanthropic landscape, the impact she’s made on people’s lives is immeasurable—woven into the communities she’s uplifted, the causes she’s championed, and the hearts she’s inspired.
This story begins at Family Strengths Network, where she served as executive director. But it was a concerned visit to a school board meeting—frustrated at the sight of students smoking—that would spark the beginning of something big. During that meeting, then-superintendent Dr. Jim Anderson shared an idea he’d picked up about public school foundations. Joanna’s passion was undeniable, and it was clear to all in the room: she was the one to bring it to life.
And bring it to life she did.
In 2005, Joanna and a committed team of volunteer community members launched the Los Alamos Public Schools Foundation (LAPS Foundation) with little more than “a stapler, a dream and a tote”—but she had a goal: give $1 million for education. Through joyful and community-centered events like Great Conversations and Taste of Knowledge, she reached that milestone in 2017.
“Her judgement, imagination, enthusiasm, and dedication got the organization off on the right path. We are deeply indebted to her,” said Morrie Pongratz, member of the LAPS Foundation Board of Directors.
At the end of her tenure, Joanna said, “The right opportunity will find me.” And it did. While on vacation, the universe nudged her three times through three different people to look at a job opening at Los Alamos National Laboratory. She listened. Out of 85 applicants, Joanna was chosen as LANL’s Philanthropic Outreach Specialist—a role that would allow her to combine her love of community with her unmatched ability to inspire others to give.
“For eight years, I had a captive audience to motivate and connect to great causes,” Joanna says with a laugh. But behind that lightheartedness was a deep devotion to creating meaningful relationships between employees and the nonprofits in their communities. “Watching relationships blossom—from introducing donors to a cause to seeing them become part of a nonprofit’s family—is what I truly loved.”
Ask anyone who’s worked with Joanna, and they’ll tell you the same: she’s a spark of energy, a beam of belief, and a jolt of inspiration.
“She makes you feel like your work is treasured,” says Executive Director Cindy Padilla of United Way Northern New Mexico. “In Joanna, we have someone who champions our missions, tells our stories, and connects us with people who care deeply about what we do.”
Joanna also carried that passion for lifting others into schools, speaking directly to students about courage and confidence. Her advice? “If your self-talk is telling you you’re not good enough, tell it I said to be quiet.” It’s classic Joanna—fierce, funny and empowering.
Now, Joanna is stepping into a well-earned retirement, timed perfectly to align with her husband’s. Their next adventure? Touring the country’s National Parks and slowing down to see what unexpected opportunities lie around the bend.
Wherever the road takes her, one thing is certain: Joanna Gillespie’s legacy lives on in every student she’s encouraged, every nonprofit she’s lifted, and every person who walks away from a conversation with her feeling a little more inspired to make a difference.
