What drew you to work at Make-A-Wish Minnesota?

I have been working in nonprofit development for nearly 20 years. I learned the importance of fundraising and community building around a cause when a dear friend of mine was severely injured and needed financial support and equipment to stay in college. I threw my first fundraising event, raised nearly $10K, and I got bit by the fundraising bug. Since then, I have worked for nonprofits in the arts, child development and behavioral health. The purpose I keep getting drawn to is helping families in critical moments and that is what makes Make-A-Wish a perfect place for me. The staff, volunteers, board and community of supporters are amazing too!

What is the most rewarding part of working at Make-A-Wish Minnesota?

I am in awe of the strength of the wish kids and their families, the generosity of the time and talent of our 400+ volunteers, the business acumen of our team to stretch every dollar to make more wishes come true and the support of our community to make it all happen! I am honored to be a part of such a beautiful mission and to connect our community to this great work.

What is one of your favorite wish experiences?

On my first day, I was honored to see Carter’s wish to give back come true. Carter, who had been through so much himself, chose to renovate his school’s weight room. It will be a wish that will keep on giving to his family and community for years to come!

Are there any personal fun facts you would like to share?

A few years ago, my husband and I were saving up to do a family sabbatical, and then the pandemic hit and instead we used the money we saved to buy a 1986 Vanagon named Bernie. We now cannot wait for the snow to melt each year so we can go camping. We’ve had some of our best family moments camping in Bernie…we hike, bike, paddle board, play cards, cook over the open fire and have seen some of the most gorgeous sunrises and sunsets!