NDI Mourns the Passing of Brittany Danisch
NDI mourns the untimely passing of Brittany Danisch, a long-time member of NDI’s staff who, during her 13-year career at NDI, made meaningful contributions to the mission and work of the Institute. Brittany, 38, had been recovering from a brain tumor.
Beginning as an intern for NDI’s Central and West Africa programs in 2002, Brittany rose in the NDI ranks, playing many different roles, including a two-year assignment as resident program manager in Liberia. Known for always encouraging colleagues and partners to consider new ideas, Brittany’s most recent contributions were to NDI’s Citizen Participation efforts, developing NDI’s approaches to citizen participation and advising programs around the world. She was instrumental in the creation of NDI’s Putting Elections to Work for Accountability -- a web resource for NDI staff and partners about using electoral processes as entry points for collective political action.
Brittany’s lasting impact was reflected in a flood of grief and outpouring of admiration from across the Institute.
“Brittany was always friendly and positive, and truly enjoyed every opportunity to work directly with local partners,” said NDI Director for Citizen Participation Aaron Azelton. “Brittany’s presence will be sorely missed, but she will live on in the important contributions she has made at NDI.”
"Brittany had a profound impact on people, including her colleagues and NDI partners, and we are all better because of her," said NDI Senior Associate Pat Merloe. "Her civic journalism and activism at home meshed brilliantly with her ability to help activists working to improve their countries."
“Brittany had a rich, though all too short life. She was committed to, and engaged in all that she did, she was thoughtful and a great friend. We will truly miss her,” said NDI Deputy Director for Central and West Africa Sophia Moestrup.
“You could never miss Brittany's passion and boundless energy to contribute to innovative approaches to build the capacities of NDI’s civil society partners to make democracy deliver for the good of all,” said Tanzania Resident Director Bod Adebo. “No doubt she will be missed by all, far and near, but the work she has done gives us beautiful memories never to forget her.”
“Brittany personified the spirit that drives so many NDI staff -- she was always brainstorming, always sharing ideas and always helping her colleagues improve theirs,” said Senior Program Manager for Central and West Africa Grant Godfrey. “She loved connecting with our partners and the ordinary citizens of countries where we work. Her infectious enthusiasm will be greatly missed.”
“Our team and partners had the opportunity to work with Brittany in Malawi, she was quite special and will be missed,” said Malawi Resident Director Sandy Quimbaya. “We will remember her inquisitive nature, positive outlook on life and her commitment to helping others.”
“Brittany was the most focused, strongest person I've ever met, committed to making the world a better place through her work with NDI, the Sierra Club, and the Obama campaign,” said Chris Doten, Chief Innovation Officer. “She lived a very balanced life in a way few of us manage. Brittany crammed so much living in her too-short years.”
Please feel free to use the comment section below to share your own memories and mourn Brittany’s loss.
