Anna Mayer Diaz

Executive Director

from Anna...

It has been an honor to be a part of the Taller de José family as a staff member since 2011. I am passionate about our mission of accompaniment because I have experienced it first-hand as a Compañera; I have seen how accompaniment supports community members to successfully access services, and, beyond that, I have seen both clients and Compañeraxs transformed in the process as they build relationships and learn from one another. I continue to be in awe of the strength, courage, compassion, and openness of our staff and the communities we serve. I’m deeply grateful for the staff, volunteers, clients, community partners, board members, and donors who have made this work possible over the years, and I look forward to continuing to expand this Taller de José familia of support in the years ahead.

Timeline

2010

Anna lived abroad in Santiago Chile, where she was immersed in speaking Spanish and learned to navigate public transportation, both of which would serve her well as a Compañera!

2011

Anna joined the Taller de José staff as a Compañera, via the Amate House full time volunteer program

2013

Anna took on the role of Program Director, sharing her knowledge of available resources and experience of accompanying clients with new staff and interns.

2016

Anna completed a Masters in Nonprofit Management from DePaul University, preparing her to step into the role of Executive Director that same year.

2016

Anna became a lay Associate of the Congregation of St. Joseph

2018

Anna proudly celebrated Taller de José’s 10th Anniversary with the TDJ community, honoring 10 years of accompaniment services.