CANOPY BLOG

Fond Farewell to Maika Horjus

By Canopy Team on August 17, 2018

This month, Canopy bids a fond farewell to an integral part of the team, Maika Horjus.

We are incredibly sad to see her go, but also incredibly excited for her as she transitions to the next chapter of her life in Portland, Oregon where she is moving with her husband to be closer to family.

Five years ago, Program Director Michael Hawkins hired Maika as Canopy’s Volunteer and Outreach coordinator. She immediately excelled at engaging the community and creating high energy fun and successful events. She showed special talents for developing meaningful relationships and for writing compelling stories, and in 2015 took on the role of Communications and Development Manager.

Last year she became our Development Director. During the last few years she led a number of ambitious projects: the redesign of our website, and creating compelling communication pieces such as the Annual Report. Without much preparation and no prior experience she launched and orchestrated the Growing the Canopy Campaign, Canopy’s first major gift campaign.

Thanks to Maika’s energy, enthusiasm, and skills leading board and staff in this major fundraising effort we surpassed our goal. And this spring she led the Canopy team in creating the beautiful Wonder of Trees event.

Maika has many gifts that she’s generously shared with others, to advance Canopy’s mission and grow Canopy’s impact. All her colleagues, board members, donors, and partners have loved working with her and we’ll all miss her very much.

But above and beyond all her professional talents, the way she moves in the world, how she deeply cares for others, and her thoughtfulness have made Canopy a really special place.

In tribute, we are sharing the top ten things we love about Maika!

She always welcomes people and treats them with great respect. Whether a stranger walking into the office or a donor, Maika always made them feel special and important.
She makes everything shine!
Without being daunted, Maika welcomes new opportunities and finds avenues of growth and possibility in every endeavor.
She knows how to highlight and celebrate our successes.
The way that she approaches everything with depth, thoughtfulness, positivity, and genuine care is an inspiration.
She truly touches the life of so many in such a unique way.
She holds a calm and steady smile for everyone around her.
Maika has been such an amazing, positive, and effective force at Canopy over the last five years.
It was a privilege to work alongside her and benefit from her wisdom, enthusiasm, energy, and kindness.
Maika is such a delight in all ways!