What ways are you involved as a volunteer?
I volunteer as a wish granter for both English and Spanish-speaking kids and am also a member of the Make-A-Wish® Minnesota DEI council.

How did you first find Make-A-Wish?
After a very personal battle with cancer, I started to think about the children that have to deal with cancer and how that affects them and their families. After looking into the organization, I felt that this was a wonderful organization offering a glimmer of hope for families during this tough time.

How long have you been volunteering with Make-A-Wish Minnesota?
I have been a volunteer for two years.

What has been the most rewarding experience of volunteering with Make-A-Wish?
Working with the different families and getting to talk to them and learning their stories. You get to learn a lot about them, what they like, what their hobbies are, how they like to spend their time and the importance of their family in all of this.

What advice would you give to new volunteers?
Make sure you enjoy what you are doing and can share your enthusiasm about the process with the families. It makes everything so much more fun, and it makes everyone enjoy what they are doing at a much deeper level.

What story would you share to inspire others to become a volunteer with Make-A-Wish?
I don’t have a particular story, but I just want to share my enthusiasm for the organization and would like others to consider taking the time to make these kids' wishes come true. I am also very excited to be part of the DEI council. I truly believe that organizations can reach such greater success by interacting with the communities they serve and by having their employees have an understanding of the daily things that impact these communities. Without the effort of nationally recognized organizations embedding a culture of acceptance within their organizations, we will not see change amongst us.