Meet Ana Estrada

We were lucky to catch up with Ana Estrada recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ana, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

I’d say my work ethic comes from a mix of family influence and personal drive. I grew up around people who believed in showing up & following through. Over time, I’ve built on that foundation by staying curious, setting high standards for myself, and always keeping the bigger picture in mind. For me, it’s about doing meaningful work and making a positive impact, and that keeps me motivated to give my best every day.

I’d say my work ethic comes from a mix of personal drive and the example set by my parents. They both worked incredibly hard and showed me early on what commitment and integrity look like in action. Watching them take pride in even the smallest tasks taught me that how you do something matters just as much as what you do.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m incredibly fortunate to work in the nonprofit space, leading with purpose and heart through my work with the Tyler Robinson Foundation (TRF)—an organization dedicated to supporting families who are navigating the unimaginable challenges of pediatric cancer. Our mission is to strengthen families emotionally and financially, allowing them to focus on what matters most: their child’s healing and wellbeing.

What makes this work so special is the community we’ve built—rooted in compassion, resilience, and hope. Every day is different, but every day is meaningful. Whether we’re helping a family continued to be housed, bringing joy through an experience, or planning our annual Rise Up Gala to raise critical funds, I’m constantly reminded of the power of collective impact.

Right now, we’re excited about our upcoming 2025 Rise Up Gala in Las Vegas—our biggest fundraising event of the year. We’re building out a dynamic program that blends music, and community in a way that truly celebrates the families we serve. My goal is to see our program grow and serve more families- ensuring that no one facing a pediatric cancer diagnosis has to walk through it alone.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, relationship building, and adaptability. Resilience has helped me navigate both the rewarding and challenging moments, especially in nonprofit work where the emotional demands can be intense and the path is rarely linear- taking my own personal challenges to ensure I serve like I would like to be served.

Relationship building has been essential—genuine connections with families, partners, donors, and team members have opened doors and created a strong foundation for meaningful, lasting impact.

Adaptability has allowed me to stay open to change, embrace new ideas, and keep moving forward even when things don’t go as planned. For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to say yes to every learning opportunity and create your own learning path. Learn everyone’s duties, not just your own, and offer help where you can—because understanding the full picture makes you a stronger team member and leader. Growth doesn’t always look the way you imagined, but it always comes when you stay committed, curious, collaborative, and open to learning from every experience.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

Great Question – If I knew I only had a decade left to live, I’d spend it pouring into people and purpose. I would focus on deepening connections—with family, friends, and the communities I care about—and making sure the work I do continues to uplift and empower others long after I’m gone. I’d invest my time in experiences that bring joy, healing, and meaning, and I’d be intentional about passing on knowledge, creating memories, and building systems that outlive me. Whether through advocacy or simply showing up for someone when they need it most, I’d want every day to reflect love, purpose, and impact – I would travel & hold loved ones close.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://trf.org
• Instagram: @banana.chikita
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/ana-estrada-2980864a