Community Foundation welcomes Michaela Gryzlo

Michaela Gryzlo joined the Quad Cities Community Foundation staff this spring as the new administrative assistant. As the new “face” of the Community Foundation, Gryzlo will be the first welcome for anyone calling and visiting the office and a point of contact connecting donors to the services they need. 

Jumping in with both feet, it’s been a busy start, but Gryzlo sat down to share some details about her early experience and what has her excited about this new role and the future.

Michaela, welcome to the Community Foundation! What experiences brought you here?

Michaela: My degree is in business administration. Most recently, I was working as theater coordinator at Davenport Junior Theater. There, I saw how expansive and impactful nonprofits can be. We actually received grants from the Community Foundation, so I knew them as a great community partner.

Through that position, and as an AmeriCorps member, I have long been passionate about connecting people to the arts and to all the resources in their community. That passion brought me to the Community Foundation, which has such an amazing reputation for doing good in the community.

Will you talk about your new role and what excites you for the future?

Michaela: I’ll be doing a bit of everything in my role. In addition to being a friendly, welcoming face and connecting visitors to the right resources, I’ll be supporting the team by organizing finances, invoices, accounting work, and anything else that will help our staff run efficiently.

I love this role because I get to meet the individuals who make philanthropy happen. We hear about these grants and projects, but it all comes down to people. I’m excited to work with the amazing, generous individuals who make our community great. The donors and community partners that walk into our office every day help make the Quad Cities the wonderful place that it is—it’s motivating to be supporting what they do.

How have the first few weeks at the Community Foundation been?

Michaela: It’s been a great experience. I had the good fortune to be trained by Luann Polissaint before her retirement—I’m hoping I can bring the same dedication and welcoming spirit that she did. The team here is giving me all the tools and space I need to learn the role and succeed.

The environment in the office is wonderful. There’s a respect here for personal time and a work-life balance. I’m surrounded by people who truly care about the work they are doing and the community they serve.