Staff Spotlight: Kim Elenez

Name: Kim Elenez

Job title: President & CEO

Years at Make-A-Wish: 1 month!

Work anniversary date: 7/11/2022

What’s a typical day look like for you? My days are quite busy, as the team continues to get me up to speed on the organization. Mostly, I spend my time in meetings with staff, board members and supporters of all kinds, getting to know their work, thoughts about Make-A-Wish, or learning about and from the incredible Wish Kids and families.

Favorite part of your job: Hearing the Wish Kid stories. It’s remarkable to see so clearly that behind every wish is a unique and special story. I’m in awe of these kids and their families – so much positivity, faith, and fortitude for what is possible during challenges beyond anything I’ve experienced. Yet in every story, the wish represents a feeling of joy and normalcy that may not directly cure the body but strengthens the soul. Anything truly is possible!

A memorable wish experience: Being so new, my wish experiences are limited to the stories I’ve been told. But one in particular stands out: Abigail was adopted from a Bulgarian orphanage by her parents Dorcas and Tony in 2013. She was 13 at the time and while she was obviously elated to join her new family in the United States, it was also bittersweet as she had to leave behind Caroline, her roommate and closest friend in the world. In 2016, Abigail was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis and was granted a wish by Make-A-Wish North Texas. She deliberated only briefly. With her parents’ blessing, Abigail wished for them to adopt Caroline. Abigail’s wish came true. The girls were reunited, now as sisters. Fast forward to later in that same year, Caroline became a US citizen. A wish not easily replicated, but one that proves – anything is possible, even a sister.

Hobbies: Hiking, yoga, reading, getting people together (is that a hobby?)

Something people might not know about you:  How about 3 things? 1. I have two children, ages 4 and 17; 2. I do yoga every day; 3. I don’t refuse to do much except eat celery and watch scary movies (those are hard no’s).