Annie Stickel is the Director of Community Engagement at Donor Network West and has had an interesting and unique journey with an emphasis to service, advocacy, and compassion. Annie and her older brother were raised by deaf parents in the Bay Area, CA. This area of the world is rich in diversity, culture, and opportunity. Having the experiences at a young age of volunteering alongside her grandfather; serving unhoused families and visiting senior centers, there was a profound understanding to what it meant to not be able to speak for yourself and how important it is to listen, have patience. Coming out at an early age and having an androgynous ethnicity and gender, life was challenging to say the least. Yet, instead of allowing the obstacles to hinder, she looks at it as opportunities to learn about people and safety. Having an intimate understanding to what it is like to be discounted, othered and not included, this has been able to give perspective in her work, an ability to relate and to see where inclusivity has a great need.

As a part of the funeral industry for roughly 10 years, serving families and decedents with dignity and care from all cultures and backgrounds, prompted the passion in trauma focused work. The most important role there was to instill confidence that their loved ones are safe with her. Not only as a stranger, but a woman in a man’s suit being trusted with the most important person on the hardest day in their lives. Leaving that industry was tough but there was a need in the streets of a San Francisco community where so many gave up. That came in the form of direct hygiene service to people experiencing homelessness with hope, inspiration and encouragement by creating a non-judgmental space that allowed real time transformations. The intimacy of this work came with authentic conversations built on trust and consistency. Breaking down walls that have often taken decades to build through the profound act of simply showing up and being present. Through the lifetime of experiences and trauma work, it always comes back to the power of kindness, and it was in this work that she realized that the journey she is on was truly a gift.

Although I loved the work I have done so far in my career around families and individuals around trauma and compassion, I am passionate in being an advocate in the community through all lenses. I am so proud to be here at Donor Network West and working with my team and Ambassadors to inspire health, hope, and life.