This summer, we’re thrilled to spotlight our incredible Summer 2025 intern cohort! We have 10 talented interns joining us across various departments, each bringing fresh ideas, energy, and a deep passion for our mission. From marketing to wish granting and beyond, they’re already making a meaningful impact—and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish this season. We’re so grateful for their hard work and dedication.  
 

Arely Alcala 

Arely was drawn to Make-A-Wish by its inspiring mission and the genuine warmth of the team. What excites her most is being part of the wish discovery process—getting to witness the magic unfold from the very beginning. For Arely, this internship is not only about giving back, but also about growing through connection and purpose. Inspired by her parents’ resilience and sacrifices, she approaches each day with gratitude and a desire to make a difference. She hopes to carry that spirit of empathy and service into everything she does. 

Carter Smith

Carter’s curiosity and passion for learning made Make-A-Wish a meaningful place to grow both personally and professionally. He was inspired by the organization’s impact on families, and drawn to the chance to be part of something greater than himself. For Carter, the most rewarding part of the internship is the opportunity to connect with people—whether it’s wish families, colleagues, or community partners—and contribute to a mission that sparks real change. His drive comes from the values instilled by his parents, whose lead-by-example approach taught him the importance of humility, work ethic, and connection. Whether he’s diving into a new coding project or sharing a thoughtful fact in conversation, Carter brings energy, curiosity, and heart to everything he does.

Emily Wall  

Emily was drawn to Make-A-Wish by the opportunity to bring light and joy to children who deserve it most. With a background in HR and a passion for mission-driven work, she’s especially excited to help expand and refine Builders of Hope—turning it into a powerful tool for wish delivery. What keeps her inspired is the generosity of Make-A-Wish volunteers, whose dedication fuels the impact of every wish. Emily sees this internship as a meaningful way to combine her heart for service with her drive to make a lasting, behind-the-scenes impact in the nonprofit world. 

Estelle Cherry  

Estelle’s passion for Make-A-Wish began in high school, when she helped fundraise to grant a wish for a 9-year-old girl. Since then, she’s been inspired by the foundation’s mission to bring joy to children and their families. As a first-generation Texan, Estelle is excited to deepen her understanding of both the nonprofit and professional worlds through this internship. She’s especially eager to learn what it takes to create happiness for others in meaningful ways. Inspired by her dad’s generosity and servant’s heart, Estelle brings warmth, curiosity, and compassion to everything she does.  

Kaden Alibhai  

Kaden was drawn to Make-A-Wish because of its mission to bring joy and smiles to those who need it most. He believes that while hardship is often unavoidable, choosing to stay positive and share kindness is a powerful act—and Make-A-Wish embodies that spirit. Inspired by his parents’ example of hard work, humility, and gratitude, Kaden brings the same mindset to his internship experience. With a growing interest in psychology, he’s eager to learn more about what motivates people and how emotional connection plays a role in making a lasting impact. 

Katherin May  

Katherin was drawn to Make-A-Wish because of its powerful mission and the impact it has on children and families. Inspired by the love and sacrifices of her own parents, her greatest wish would be to one day buy them a home in gratitude for everything they’ve given her and her siblings. During her internship, Katherin is excited to learn from her mentor and play a hands-on role in granting a wish currently in the pipeline. With heart, humility, and purpose, she’s ready to help create moments of joy that last a lifetime. 

Keren Arvizo  

Keren’s passion for service and heart for others made interning at Make-A-Wish a natural next step in her journey. With a future in HR in mind, she’s excited to gain hands-on experience while supporting a mission that brings real impact to families across the region. Inspired by her mother’s strength and dedication, Keren approaches her work with the same commitment and compassion. She believes in the power of kindness—both in big moments and small ones—and brings that spirit into everything she does. 

Rhea Varughese  

Rhea’s passion for supporting children and families through difficult times has been a driving force in her life—from her involvement in the Miracle Network Dance Marathon to her recent graduation with a degree in Health Administration. She’s long been inspired by the mission of Make-A-Wish and is excited to finally be part of it. Motivated by the hard work and perseverance of her parents, Rhea brings dedication and heart to everything she does. For her, this internship is not only a professional opportunity, but a meaningful way to give back to a cause she’s cared about since she was young. 

Sophia McKenzie 

Sophia was introduced to the magic of Make-A-Wish through her mom, a longtime volunteer wish granter, and knew she wanted to be part of that impact herself. She’s excited to learn more about the organization and how each role contributes to making wishes come true. Passionate about exploring different cultures, her own wish would be to travel the world—an experience she sees as a powerful way to grow and connect. During her internship, Sophia is eager to gain insight, ask questions, and be part of something bigger than herself. 

Stella Maher  

Stella was drawn to Make-A-Wish by the selflessness and positivity the organization brings to children, families, and entire communities. She sees the mission as a reflection of her own values—and a meaningful way to help make the world a better place. Inspired by her mom’s creativity, passion, and unwavering kindness, Stella brings warmth and curiosity to her internship experience. She’s excited to learn more about the behind-the-scenes work that powers a nonprofit and to contribute to a team that turns hope into reality every day. 

Taylor Johnson 

Taylor’s drive to create joy for others, especially children, made Make-A-Wish the perfect place to channel her passions. She was inspired by the organization’s mission to bring lasting impact through kindness, connection, and celebration. For Taylor, the most meaningful part of the internship is building relationships—with wish families, the team, and the community—and seeing how each wish can spark hope. Her experience is shaped by the example of her mom, whose compassion and work ethic taught her the value of leading with heart.