Sydney Santa Ana attended the University of Central Florida at the Rosen College for Hospitality Management to receiver her Bachelors of Science in Hospitality management and expand her passion for people and service. She joined the Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland Area (CFHZ) staff in August of 2021 as the first face in the office as the Administrative Assistant. Sydney quickly proved she has a heart for service and hospitality in philanthropy. By October 2021, Sydney was promoted to be the Donor Services Associate and fifteen months later promoted to Donor Services and Events Officer.

The promotion to the Donor Services and Events officer expanded Sydney’s responsibilities and included more donor and professional advisor connections. Through her role at the Foundation, Sydney maintains donor relationships through communication via email, phone, in person, or print. Additionally, she services as the point of contact for fundholder requests and questions. One of the highlights of Sydney’s roles is the planning and execution of CFHZ events, which includes one of her favorite events: Celebration of Philanthropy a 750+ person event where the Foundation gets to share inspirational donor and nonprofit stories from the community to inspire giving. Sydney’s goal at the Foundation is to create a welcoming space for all and provide the best service to help donors achieve their charitable goals.

Beyond her service at the Foundation, Sydney participates in a few community initiatives. She serves on the Holland Young Professional’s Future Leaders Conference Committee, which she extends her ability to plan events. Through the Future Leaders Conference Sydney has the opportunity to connect and grow the Holland area young professional’s presence. Sydney is an investor of Women of Color Give, a philanthropy circle composed of women of color along the lakeshore in Michigan. Through this experience she has been encouraged to be her true self and is inspired by the impact philanthropy can have on the community.

After 12 years in Florida, Sydney now resides in West Michigan with her dog, Alice. She is blessed with the opportunity to enjoy the freshwater beaches and visit her family in Zeeland and the east side of the state. With three years of living in Michigan under her belt, Sydney has a new appreciation of the slower pace of life.