Volunteer Spotlight: Our Fall Interns
This fall, we are so excited to welcome seven interns to our team! We can’t wait to see all they will accomplish over the next few months here at Make-A-Wish North Texas. Get to know our interns:
Peighten Kapper
Peighten Kapper is a volunteer services intern, and this is her second semester with Make-A-Wish North Texas. She’s a senior at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo studying psychology and sociology with a minor in political science. When Peighten is on campus, she works as a student assistant teacher at the Children’s Center and is the treasurer of Psi Chi, the international honor society of psychology. Peyton’s favorite Disney character is Pluto, her favorite color is light pink and her favorite movie is Moana. If Peighten was granted a wish, it would be to travel to Hawaii with her family. Her love for Make-A-Wish was sparked in high school, and she’s looking forward to spending another semester with us.
“We had WISH Week once a year, where a wish kid came in and we got to make it all about them to raise money and help grant their wish. Ever since then, I knew I wanted to be involved with Make-A-Wish! My ultimate goal in life and in my career is to help others and give back to the community,” she expressed.
Marena Mendez
Marena Mendez is a marketing and communications intern this semester at Make-A-Wish. She’s a senior at Texas Christian University studying child development and youth advocacy. On campus, Marena is a member of Alpha Delta Pi, president of Her Campus at TCU, president of Frogs 4 Children and director of hospitality for TCU Dance Marathon.
Marena's favorite Disney character is Ariel from the Little Mermaid, her favorite color is lilac, and her favorite food is Italian. If Marena were granted a wish, it would be to travel to Hawaii with her family. Marena is thrilled to intern with Make-A-Wish and give back to an organization that means so much to her.
“I have dreamed of interning for Make-A-Wish ever since I was a little girl. I am so passionate about the mission and the impact it has on children who are going through a difficult and challenging time. Make-A-Wish truly makes a difference in the lives of children, and I am so excited to be a part of it!” she shared.
Macee Shealy
Macee Shealy is a development intern at the Make-A-Wish North Texas and a former wish kid. When she was 16, her wish to go to Alaska was granted, and she had an incredible experience. Macee is a senior at Dallas Baptist University studying communication studies. On campus, Macee is a member of Zeta Chi, president of the Students with Disabilities Union and an employee at the College of Fine Arts Communication Department!
Macee’s favorite Disney character is Simba from the Lion King, her favorite food is spaghetti and her favorite color is green. Macee is enthusiastic about interning with Make-A-Wish and everything she will learn this semester.
“I wanted to be an intern at Make-A-Wish because I have seen the impact of a wish in my own life, but also in the life of my sister, who I love very much. My sister had her wish granted a year after me and getting to experience the impact of a wish myself and seeing Make-A-Wish impact my sister made me want to help more children with critical illnesses experience what my sister and I have because of Make-A-Wish,” she said.
Haven Watts
Haven Watts is a development intern at Make-A-Wish and a former wish kid! When she was 14, her wish to go to on a Disney cruise to the Bahamas with her family was granted. This is her second semester interning with Make-A-Wish! She’s currently sophomore studying psychology at Keiser University. On campus, Haven is a member of the NLHS Honor Society. Her favorite Disney character is Heihei the chicken from Moana, her favorite color is yellow and her favorite food is Thai food. Haven is excited to spend another semester developing new skills with Make-A-Wish.
“I love interning for Make-A-Wish because it gives me the opportunity to give back to such a special organization that helped me through my darkest times!” she shared.
Owen Wilson
Owen Wilson is a returning wish discovery intern and former wish kid. When he was 15, his wish to go to Hawaii was granted. Owen is studying psychology with a minor in cultural awareness in health and healthcare. On campus, Owen is involved with a research lab and is a part of a campus wellness education group.
Owen’s favorite Disney character is Winnie the Pooh, his favorite color is blue and his favorite food is a sub sandwich. Owen is excited to help give back to the organization that helped him find hope and strength during a challenging time.
“After my wish and cancer experience, I was inspired to find a meaningful way to help others in a similar way to how I was helped during that time. I wanted to intern at Make-A-Wish for that reason and to learn more about the behind-the-scenes process of a wish and the nonprofit world in general,” he shared.
Heidi Lozano
Heidi Lozano is a Program-Onboarding and Welcome intern. Heidi is attending the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and is in the final year of her graduate program. Heidi’s favorite Disney character is Alice from Alice in Wonderland, her favorite color is purple, and her favorite food is pasta! If Heidi had a wish, it would be to go sightseeing in New York and see “The Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway. She’s excited about her internship this semester.
“I admire that Make-A-Wish goes above and beyond to make a child's wish special. The organization prioritizes the happiness and well-being of the child, and the employees are truly passionate about what they do. The staff at Make-A-Wish have made my interning experience an amazing one so far, and I am grateful to learn and work with this incredibly supportive and welcoming team,” she said.
Arianna Robinson
Arianna Robinson is a wish discovery intern this semester. She’s a senior at the University of North Texas studying human development. Arianna’s favorite Disney character is Tramp from “Lady and the Tramp,” her favorite color is gray, and her favorite food is orecchiette pasta. If Arianna was granted a wish, it would be to go to Africa and work with orphaned elephants!
“I love that Make-A-Wish was created out of the love a community had for a little boy. The idea of making it a mission to help kids with critical illness is so unique! I wanted to intern here because I’m studying to become a child life specialist, and Make-A-Wish works closely with the position and the children involved. My favorite part of interning is meeting all the amazing wish families and hearing their stories.
We are so thankful for our interns and cannot wait to see all they accomplish as they grow their skills and spread awareness of the Make-A-Wish mission. Learn more about our internship offerings – applications for Spring 2023 internships open on November 1.