Nicole Waldmann has always wanted to give back to the community.Courses and internships she took global health program Arizona State University’s School of Human Evolution and Social Change ignited her passion.

Waldmann graduated from ASU in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in international health. We are currently helping to fulfill the wishes of seriously ill children. She was her volunteer coordinator for her Make-A-Wish Arizona and credits her advisor and non-profit internship that led to her dream job.

Nicole Waldmann, Volunteer Coordinator, Make-A-Wish Foundation
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“I had my first internship at Make-A-Wish Arizona,” says Waldmann. And that kind of really solidified (that) global health is where I want to be. ”

While in ASU’s Global Health Program, Waldmann completed an internship in the International Services Division of the American Red Cross. As her undergraduate, she wanted to learn more about helping asylum seekers and refugees.

“I have worked specifically with the American Red Cross Family Reconnection Program to help reconnect families separated internationally due to armed conflict, disasters, migration and other humanitarian crises.” Waldman said.

Waldmann says her nonprofit internship experience really prepared her for her current career. She said it was invaluable to gain her work experience with a wonderful advisor at the School of Human Evolution and Social Change who helped her make connections with the nonprofit world. .

She loves working at the Make-A-Wish Foundation and is inspired by the volunteers and their dedication. This national nonprofit started in Arizona in 1980 with a boy named Christopher James Gracieus who wanted to be a police officer.

Waldmann said the Make-A-Wish Arizona chapter in Scottsdale is affectionately called “the house of wishes” by employees.

“Our main mission is to fulfill the wishes of seriously ill children,” Waldman said. “After all, we are trying to fulfill as many wishes as possible, and we are able to put smiles on many children’s faces. It’s such a warm and wonderful feeling.”

Waldmann says they are always looking for volunteers and encourage people to learn more about the organization’s many volunteer opportunities.

“ASU has always held a special place in my heart,” said Waldmann. “I am so grateful for all the classes I was able to take during my undergraduate years. Many of the specific classes I took were not offered at other universities. has really opened my eyes to so many opportunities in my community and I am so grateful to have had these amazing opportunities.”