From intern to Chief Mission Officer, Nikki's journey with Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas celebrates the power of a wish. 

More than eleven years ago, Nikki first joined the organization as an intern, supporting marketing, communications, and events. During that time, she helped bring events to life and experienced firsthand the hope, strength, and joy a wish can create for local children with critical illnesses.

"It was the first glimpse of knowing that working in a nonprofit was a real career path," Nikki shared. "Most notably, it ignited my determination to support the Make-A-Wish mission in any way I could in the future." 

When Nikki joined the Make-A-Wish Central & South staff as a Wish Coordinator in the Austin, Texas office, she discovered the profound impact of walking alongside wish families during some of their most difficult moments. Coordinating wishes allowed her to combine organization, creativity, and relationship building while paving the way for wish kids and their families to make life-changing memories. 

"Working at Make-A-Wish gave me the opportunity to use my skills to serve others, and it fulfilled me in ways I never could have expected," she said. 

As Nikki's career progressed, her leadership roles expanded beyond wish delivery. Seeing firsthand how important the organization's intern program had been to her own career, she was passionate about creating new opportunities for students to get nonprofit experience. 

"It was a full circle moment for me," Nikki said. "Managing interns helped shape the people leader I am today." 

Nikki was announced as the new Chief Mission Officer in June 2026. She is already diving in and leading efforts that directly support wish kids, volunteers, and medical partners across Central and South Texas. 

"I'm most excited about the opportunity to grow our Mission Department and grant more wishes," she said. 

After more than nine years as an employee and two years as an intern and volunteer, Nikki says the answer to what puts a smile on her face when she walks through the doors at Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas is easy. 

"It's our wish kids! They are some of the bravest and most inspiring people I've ever met. Our mission changes lives, and I'm humbled every day to be a part of it," Nikki exclaimed. 

We are thrilled to celebrate Nikki's recent promotion and all the achievements that led her to this moment.