1. What ways are you involved as a volunteer?

I’m a Wish Granter!  I also serve on the Wishmakers’ Council as the chair of the events subcommittee.  I’ve also previously served as an Airport Greeter and I recently did my first shopping spree.

2. How did you first find Make-A-Wish?

 I had heard of Make-A-Wish growing up but I had worked for US Bank before Richard Davis retired and started as the CEO at MAW.  He was such a phenomenal leader that it inspired me to start volunteering for MAW as well.

3. How long have you been volunteering with Make-A-Wish MN? 

I started as an airport greeter in 2017 and then came back to volunteer with MAW in 2024 as a Wish Granter and a member of the Wishmakers Council 

4. What has been the most rewarding experience of volunteering with Make-A-Wish?

It’s always the families. The most memorable was a recent camper wish. The family expressed so much appreciation that MAW found Spanish speaking volunteers to keep mom and dad included in all the decisions.  The Wish Kid couldn’t believe that he was receiving a camper and mom and dad both couldn’t either.  It was such a beautiful thing to witness. They also asked that our Wish Granting team keep in touch, and not just for birthdays and holidays.

5. What advice would you give to new volunteers?

Don’t be shy!  Introduce yourself to other volunteers and ask questions.  The MAW staff have lots of resources as well and have been great about answering anything that’s come up for me.

6. What story would you share to inspire others to become a volunteer with Make-A-Wish?

I would share the story of my niece and her Rush Wish.  While our story doesn’t get to have a wish alumni, it does get to highlight how important the wish is even for the family.  Our niece passed away shortly after getting to meet her favorite band virtually and a few days before the concert that she was supposed to attend to see them perform in person, however the experience of meeting her favorite band (AJR) and the interactions with them have been a shining moment in her last month with us that the family often remembers and enjoys.  It gave her one last chance to be an excited teen and for the family to get to forget about what was about to happen in our lives.  Knowing how priceless those moments are is what propels me to continue to give back to the best of my capabilities every chance I can.