Name: Malissa Arras

Job title: Philanthropic Advisor

Years at Make-A-Wish: Only 6 months!

Work anniversary date: March 15

What’s a typical day look like for you? I consider myself fortunate because I spend a lot of time meeting with community partners, Regional Council members, and donors to build support for the organization. I love meeting with people to talk about our mission, and seeing how happy it makes people to support our Wish Kids.

Favorite part of your job: Our wish kids! I still can’t get over how much this job makes me cry happy tears.

A memorable wish experience: My first wish was for Nicholas, who we knew really loved cars. Jen reached out to me asking if we could make his shopping spree wish extra special by inviting a few people with exotic cars out, and over 50 cars showed up! It was a complete surprise for all of us, and many people who joined even brought models of the cars that they arrived in. I’ll never forget the look on Nicholas’ face when he took the blindfold off, he was in complete awe!

Hobbies: Houseplants have pretty much taken over my life at this point, but I love hiking with my yorkie, Gus Gus.

Favorite dessert: Is wine a dessert?

Most interesting place you have ever been: Ubud, Bali. It was incredible to explore a place where a large part of the population (mostly farmers) lived in the same way they had for centuries, despite all the changes in technology and tourism.

Something people might not know about you: I have 49 first cousins.