LOS ANGELES, CA (February 4, 2025) – Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles, the nonprofit dedicated to granting wishes to children with critical illnesses in the City of Angels, has appointed Aparna Pande its new President and CEO.
A former executive at Fortune 500 companies and founder of two successful startups, Pande brings a wealth of experience and a track record of transformative leadership to the position. As a former volunteer at Make-A-Wish, she has firsthand knowledge of the life-changing impact of the organization.
“Aparna’s demonstrated passion for the Make-A-Wish mission is more important than ever as we drive towards our long-term goal of serving as many children as possible in Los Angeles,” said Bill Fishel, Board Chair, Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles. “With nearly 600 children in our community currently waiting for wishes, her vision and proven leadership experience will be instrumental in addressing this urgent need and preparing our chapter for the many years to come.”
Pande will work to expand the reach of the organization, increasing philanthropic support, optimizing operations and ultimately granting more wishes and bringing joy to more families throughout Los Angeles County.
“Giving hope to our community is essential in our beloved city. Children are continuing to be diagnosed with critical illnesses daily and it is vital that we come together to make even more wishes come true,” said Pande.
Pande brings to the role astute business acumen and a lifelong dedication to brightening the lives of children and families. At Disney and Mattel she managed multi-million-dollar P&Ls and high-performing teams, driving revenue and innovation. As an entrepreneur, she founded the subscription-based, educational business Kidstir from the ground up, successfully fundraising, building a team, partnering with national brands, and creating new products. The company was acquired in 2021.
Pande spends time mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs for the accelerator TechStars and has taught undergraduates at USC’s Marshall School of Business, where she is currently an Expert-in-Residence. She serves on the advisory board of TeenTix LA, a local youth arts organization, and volunteers at LACMA and with the grief support nonprofit OurHouse. She has previously volunteered with Make-A-Wish Connecticut and Greater Los Angeles.
Pande is happily married and a mother of twin teenagers. She spends her free time hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains and open water swimming in the Pacific Ocean.
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Contact: Anne McGregor
Director, Marketing & Communications
amcgregor@la.wish.org
ABOUT MAKE-A-WISH GREATER LOS ANGELES
Founded in 1983, Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles has granted over 10,000 wishes to children in Los Angeles County. Annually in Los Angeles, the chapter grants 200 wishes locally and facilitates additional wishes for children from all over the world whose wish is to come to Los Angeles. Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles is part of Make-A-Wish America, a national organization that grants the wishes of children with critical illnesses. Make-A-Wish America is one of the world's leading children's charities, serving children in every community in the United States and its territories. For more information visit la.wish.org or see us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.