Former UWF staff member leaves a lasting legacy Why I Give

When Elena Anciro joined the University of Winnipeg Foundation (UWF) team in the summer of 2021, she was tasked with reviving the Collegiate Engagement Officer role that had been dormant for a number of years. Her job was to strengthen the link between the UWF and the Collegiate community by engaging staff, students, alumni and donors to identify their needs and enhance support to the school. She then moved into the Annual Giving Officer role in 2024, taking the lead on the university’s Campus Campaign before completing her journey with UWF in April 2025.

“I’m incredibly grateful for my time at UWF and for the opportunity to help with meaningful initiatives like the launch of the new Collegiate Alumni Association,” says Elena. “In both of my roles, I was able to connect with our campus community in a way that deepened my understanding of the incredible work happening in Wesley Hall and across the university, as well as the positive impact our alumni continue to create around the world.”

While not a Collegiate alumna, Elena is both a downtown local and graduate of the University of Winnipeg, having completed her BA with honours in Theatre in 2004.

“I started my studies at UWinnipeg in 1999, and before long I found myself working as a student ambassador giving campus tours to prospective students and sharing information about the university at different high schools.”

It was during her second year that Elena was diagnosed with Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, which can impact organs and tissue throughout the body.

“When I learned about my condition, I was 20 years old and a full-time student. Working part-time, trying to keep my grades up, and navigating a new diagnosis became very challenging. Covering the cost of tuition was also difficult —even with the help of my parents and awards I received from donors back then.” says Elena. “I knew at that moment that I wanted to help those in similar circumstances later in life. It was a dream that I always thought was impossible until I began working at the UWF.”

With the support of her friends, family members, and colleagues, Elena was able to establish the Theatre and Film Access Bursary. Currently on its way to becoming an endowed fund, the bursary will be awarded to a full-time student majoring in Theatre and Film who demonstrates financial need and self-identifies as having a disability or chronic illness.

“Giving back to my community has always been one of my core values. I also believe that someone who works with donors should understand the experience from the other side,” says Elena. “It’s important for people who work at the UWF to show others that they believe in the mission. The life-changing impact of access to education for young people deserves support. I am so thankful to everyone who helped me transform this bursary from a dream into reality. It is amazing to do this together and to know that one day, it will make a difference in the lives of students in need.”

Give to the Theatre and Film Access Bursary today