At Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley, staff are committed to providing life-changing wishes for children battling critical illnesses.

Joanna Kim, Development Director of Philadelphia, is dedicated to her role in helping the next generation of leaders give back to wish kids.

Kim began working in the nonprofit sector immediately out of college. When she came across an opportunity at Make-A-Wish, she knew given her passion for impacting local children that joining the organization was a “no-brainer.”

“I wanted to work in a place that really helps the community directly and I can see the direct impact,” said Kim.

Kim joined the chapter in April of 2022 and is responsible for implementing and executing chapter fundraising initiatives. She is responsible for planning events, building relationships with donors and schools, and involving students in the mission of the organization.

Kids for Wish Kids is one of the school programs Kim leads, in which students can help fundraise individually, in groups, or through their entire school.

Another program, the Young Professionals Board, is one that began in 2021. Through Kim’s hard work and vision, she has helped expand the program into what it is today.

“When I started, it was just focused on fundraising,” said Kim. “We have since added more layers and structure to it; we have new committees such as events, membership, marketing, and finance. We also added more mission opportunities so that the group can experience firsthand the impact of a wish.”

Rising Stars is another program that Kim is responsible for overseeing. The program, in its inaugural year, is an opportunity for high school upperclassmen to give back in an eight-week-long competitive fundraising program. The top fundraising team receives a scholarship, and the top three teams receive a letter of recommendation from the chapter’s CEO.

“This is a great opportunity not only to give students a chance to help other kids but to also help further their education,” said Kim. “It’s a way for us to say thank you and back to our community.”

Through the direction of these programs, Kim is guiding and educating students in the region to become involved in granting wishes.

Through her years in the organization, Kim has had many memorable experiences with wish kids. A special moment she got to experience was with former wish kid Valerie, who now is the chair of the Young Professionals Board. Valerie attended Keith Valley Middle School and took part in the Keith Valley Challenge-a long-standing school fundraising tradition. Years later, Valerie was invited to speak at the school.

“It was truly a full-circle moment,” said Kim. “It shows just how much of an impact that a wish has, not just during their youth but also throughout their lives as they get older.”

Another memorable moment for Kim is when she accompanied wish kid Carly to a P!NK concert. P!nk’s individuality was an inspiration to Carly and something that Kim got to witness the impact of. 

“After all her treatments, she’s just really living life to the fullest,” said Kim.

In her role, Kim is helping expand the reach of the chapter and inspiring future wish granters. She has always had a passion for helping others and for her, there has been no better place to do it than Make-A-Wish.

“What is better than making kids happy and granting wishes?” said Kim