Ana Nygren
EDITOR’S NOTE: A church community is created when people gather together for the love of God. At the same time, Saint Philip’s is composed of many people who represent different ages, life experiences, and world views.
The “In conversation…” series is one attempt to create possibilities for connection between the different people in our community. As varied as we all are, there are also similarities and mutual interests waiting to be discovered. And there is one thing we all share: A desire to know God and be in relationship with him.
This week’s conversation is with parishioner and volunteer, Ana Nygren
How long have you worshiped at Saint Philip’s?
Since 1986.
What’s kept you at Saint Philip’s?
I think the parish is a very welcoming place. And it also accepts everyone. Both those things are important to me.
I was raised in the Roman Catholic church. As a child I wanted to help set the altar but was sent to the choir instead. I very much appreciate that at Saint Philip’s women lead worship services and are not relegated to the sidelines.
You are a busy volunteer. Where have you helped in the past?
I taught Sunday School, was part of the welcoming committee, served on the Vestry, and jumped in whenever an extra set of hands was needed.
What is your current volunteer focus?
I’m on the Altar Guild. For the past seven years I’ve served as the Treasurer and when Sue Cross finishes her term as Director at the end of the summer, I’ll move into that position.
Which service do you attend?
Whichever one my Altar Guild team is scheduled to serve.
What do you do professionally?
I’m the President of the John and Helen Murphey Foundation—the people who built Saint Philip’s.
What is the Foundation’s mission?
The overall mission is education. The Foundation provides scholarships and supports community non-profits. Our emphasis is on higher education so we focus on the University of Arizona and Pima Community College.
What do you like about your work?
I love that I get to visit different organizations in Tucson and learn what they need and how the Murphey Foundation can help. I meet people, hear their stories, and see the impact these organizations have.
What volunteer activities are you involved with beyond Saint Philip’s?
There are several but one of my biggest volunteer commitments is as President for the Arizona chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW); I am also on one of AAUW’s national committees that focuses on diversity and inclusivity.
Arizona has 12 branches of the AAUW so I travel a lot to visit with them. AAUW is a wonderful resource to young women. For example, we just completed a workshop that teaches them how to negotiate their salary. If they start out making less than their male colleagues, chances are they’ll never catch up—even with promotions.
What is one of your guiding principles?
Everyone is entitled to the same thing. Fairness and equality are for everyone—without exception.
What’s one of your super powers?
My intuition. My leadership roles have always involved bringing people together and helping them accomplish goals collectively. My intuition helps me sense feelings and discern what people are passionate about. That’s important when working with a variety of people.
What is something you’re proud of?
I’m proud of how I’ve parented my daughter. I’ve never told her what she should do. (I don’t like people telling me what to do so I wasn’t going to do that to her!) But I always encouraged her to consider options and evaluate them. That helped her become independent and learn from the consequences her choices had.
She and I have been on our own since her father died in 2001, and we are very close. Lindsay is a remarkable woman (30 years old).
How do you refresh yourself?
I have standing appointments for monthly facials and massages. I spend time with friends and go to the theater, plays, and the opera. And I just decided to explore pickleball!
What’s the most used app on your phone?
I have two: What’s App (because that’s how I communicate with Lindsay who is studying in Scotland) and the calendar.
Missed an interview? All previous interviews can be found on Saint Philip’s website under the “About Us” tab. Click here to visit that page.