ST. LOUIS, MO (SEPTEMBER 23, 2025) – Make-A-Wish® Missouri & Kansas is proud to announce the addition of two distinguished leaders to its Governing Board: Natalea Simmons Beaudean, of Stifel and Simmons Private Wealth Group, and Andrew Azan, of Aon Risk Solutions.

With deep expertise in financial services and risk management, Beaudean and Azan bring invaluable knowledge, leadership, and passion for community impact to the organization. As Governing Board members, they will help guide the chapter’s strategic vision, strengthen community partnerships, and advance its mission to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses across Missouri and Kansas.

“We are thrilled to welcome Natalea and Andrew to our Governing Board,” said Caroline Schmidt, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish Missouri & Kansas. “Their leadership and professional expertise, combined with their passion for our mission, will play a pivotal role in helping us reach more children across our region. With more than 600 children currently waiting for their wishes, their support and advocacy could not come at a more important time.”

Since its founding in 1983, Make-A-Wish Missouri & Kansas has granted more than 10,750 wishes, offering hope and healing to children and families across the two states. The chapter’s Governing Board plays a critical role in building awareness, expanding philanthropic support, and ensuring that every eligible child has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of a wish.

For more information about Make-A-Wish Missouri & Kansas and ways to get involved, please visit wish.org/mokan.

ABOUT MAKE-A-WISH MISSOURI & KANSAS

Make-A-Wish® Missouri & Kansas creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We are on a quest to bring every eligible child’s wish to life, because a wish is an integral part of a child’s treatment journey. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness. The local Make-A-Wish chapter is headquartered in Ballwin, Missouri and serves all counties in Missouri and Kansas. Make-A-Wish Missouri & Kansas has granted over 10,750 wishes since its inception in 1983.

For more information about Make-A-Wish Missouri & Kansas and how you can transform lives, one wish at a time, please visit our website (wish.org/mokan) and connect with us on Facebook (@MakeAWishMOKAN), X (@MakeAWishMOKAN), Instagram (@makeawishmokan), LinkedIn (Make-A-Wish Missouri & Kansas) and YouTube (Make-A-Wish Missouri & Kansas).

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