THE MAGIC STARTS HERE ⪢
MEET OUR EXECUTIVE BOARD
The Executive Board oversees all the operations of The Wishes Foundation. From managing volunteers to keeping financial records to running our social media accounts, the Executive Board is the backbone of what our organization does.
Our board is 100% volunteer, meaning that none of our directors are compensated.
2020 - 2021 EXECUTIVE BOARD
Sydney Lofton
President
Major: Theatre Performance
Hometown: Jackson, TN
Favorite Quote: "Just because it's what's done, doesn't mean it's what should be done." - Cinderella
"Find what you love and use it to help others. Wishes brightens the day of each child we visit, and I know it brightens mine! There is nothing more magical than making someone smile, and The Wishes Foundation brings that magic to every visit. Wishes is a family of service and love. I am so honored to serve Nashville as a part of The Wishes Foundation."
Mikenzie Bartholomae
Vice President
Major: English & Public Relations
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Favorite Quote: “Come what may, I know the way” - Moana
"Wishes is a great way to get involved in helping and spreading magic to communities that deserve it most. I love being able to not only see the joy in the children we serve, but also the joy in those serving. There is no greater reward than making others happy. This organization is one that inspires and lifts up all of its members. This family that has been created in this organization is truly something that has become one of my greatest joys and I am so honored to be apart of it."
Leigh Marie McCarver
Fundraising Director
Major: BFA Theatre Performance
Hometown: Spartanburg, South Carolina
Favorite Quote: “Remember, you're the one who can fill the world with sunshine." - Snow
White, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
"The Wishes Foundation has the unique opportunity to bring pure happiness to children in need. This happiness, the Wishes magic, provides an escape from the day to day struggles these precious children face. Now, more than ever, a genuine smile and laugh can help make a positive change. I am so happy to be a part of this family and can’t wait to continue to spread some pixie dust across Nashville."
Sara Grove
Social Media Director
Major: BFA Theatre Performance
Hometown: York, Pennsylvania
Favorite Quote: “‘Ohana’ means ‘Family’. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten” - Lilo and Stitch
"The mission of Wishes is something I hold close to my heart. Being able to make one person smile or bring joy to one child makes my heart swell. Wishes brings light to darkness and happiness to all. Wishes has changed my life for the better and I love the family I have found here. Wishes helps so many and I love being a part of furthering that mission in any way that I can."
Josh Herring
Digital Marketing Specialist
Major: Motion Pictures
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Favorite Quote: “Today’s special moments are tomorrow’s memories.”
- Genie
"The ability to become these characters that we have idolized throughout our childhoods and bring them to life for others is something that cannot be compared to anything; the feeling is so surreal. Everytime I see a child’s face begin to glow with happiness, I know that I am doing the right thing. I become the hero that they need in their life and I try to help them through their tough times. The Wishes Foundation is not only for the people we serve but for the volunteers who serve within it. Now that is something that will always stay with me for the rest of my life."
Sophia Slates
Assistant to the Fundraising Director
Major: Commercial Voice
Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN
Favorite Quote: “Look at all the amazing things you’ve done since leaving that tower. Do you think you would’ve been able to do any of them if you’d stopped to worry about how you were going to do it?”
-Eugene, Tangled the Series.
"To serve our community in a way that brings so much joy to children and their families is something I hold so close to my heart. To be a part of their story, stepping into the shoes of someone they know and love, is an unbelievable experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I am so grateful that I get to serve with everyone in Wishes to continue achieving our mission of serving the children of Nashville."
Bailey Angel
Community Relations Coordinator
Major: BFA Theatre Performance
Hometown: Harrodsburg, Kentucky
Favorite Quote: “The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all." - Mulan
"The Wishes Foundation is an organization where individuals can use their talents to connect with a child who needs it most. This is more than just performing, it is making a difference in a child’s life. I am already passionate about performing, but being able to use my gifts to help bring magic into even just one child’s life is the most special and worthwhile thing in the world. The Wishes Foundation brings happiness to children and I am honored that I get to be a part of this valuable organization."
Claire Striet
Treasurer
Major: Theatre & Creative Entertainment Industry Studies
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Favorite Disney Quote: “if you reach for the stars all you get are the stars, but we've found a whole new spin. If you reach for the heavens, you get the stars thrown in. Anything can happen if you let it.” - Mary Poppins
"The Wishes Foundation brings smiles to the children who need it most; it’s absolutely wonderful to see children smile with their favorite Disney and fairytale characters when they’re going through such a difficult time. It gives them a chance to put their worries aside and just have a good time! I’m so passionate about bringing the arts to children and students who don’t have access to it, especially when they really need it. Wishes does exactly that!"
Chloe Cook
Secretary
Major: B.A. Theatre and Drama
Hometown: Union City, Tennesee
Favorite Disney Quote: "The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all." - Mulan
"The Wishes Foundation has given me an opportunity to use performance for something bigger than myself. Through my first two years of college, it has been a safe haven for me to be myself with a beautiful and talented group of people while also working to benefit our community. Living in a world that is so dark right now, we need a little magic; The Wishes Foundation brings just that, and it is my pleasure to serve!"