How Disney Grants Life Changing Wishes with Make-A-Wish | S3E9
ON THIS EPISODE OF LIFE AT DISNEY
In this episode of the Life at Disney podcast, we take a look at Disney Week of Wishes and discover how Disney partners with Make‑A‑Wish to grant once‑in‑a‑lifetime wishes for kids and families, and the purpose‑driven teams who bring these life‑changing moments to life. Did you know that Disney is the world’s largest wish granter for Make-A-Wish, granting a wish every hour of every day?
MEET OUR GUESTS
Sarah, Senior Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility, Disney Entertainment
Sarah brings a background in publicity, public affairs and community engagement to her six‑plus years at The Walt Disney Company. Today, she leads Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy across the studios and streaming, overseeing enterprise‑wide initiatives including wish granting, children’s hospitals, and cause‑driven campaigns that bring Disney’s purpose to life.
“We are dealing with real people and real lives and getting to be part of that is deeply personal and very special,” said Sarah.
Anam, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Anam began her Disney career in external communications with Disney Experiences and Public Affairs, later combining her passions for communications and social impact through roles spanning CSR and enterprise initiatives. She now manages brand and digital marketing for CSR, driving storytelling and tentpole campaigns like Disney Week of Wishes and Disney’s long‑standing relationship with Make‑A‑Wish.
“Getting to do this work, and to do it at Disney, is something I never take for granted,” said Anam.
Behind the Magic of Wish Granting
Taking a wish from idea to reality involves Disney employees across segments, regions and disciplines all coming together to ensure every detail is executed in a way that only Disney can. Sarah’s team starts by taking a step back to look at all the potential levers they can pull to make each wish a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“We want to think about what the wish child feels the moment they step into their wish day and how every beat throughout the day comes together as something truly memorable,” said Sarah.
Recently, Sarah and her team coordinated a wish-granting experience with Walt Disney Animation Studios welcoming wish kid EJ to live out his dreams to be a Disney animator, drawing with soon-to-be Disney Legend Eric Goldberg and touring the Studio Lot and Walt’s Office.
“What made the experience stand out was the incredible care the teams took to treat EJ like a true part of the studio, giving him hands‑on opportunities, mentorship, and time to connect with animators one on one,” said Sarah. “Seeing EJ’s reactions and excitement throughout the day made it truly unforgettable.”
These experiences are transformative for the kids and their families, but also for the Disney employees who help bring them life.
“So many of our internal partners say that working on wishes is one of their favorite things they get to do,” said Sarah. “Our colleagues are always willing to go the extra mile to add special touches that make the experience feel uniquely Disney.”
Drawn to You: Inspired by Real Wishes
A first for Disney Week of Wishes, the CSR team came together with The Hive and Brand Marketing teams to develop a scripted brand spot, “Drawn to You,” directed by Emmy®‑nominated filmmaker Goh Iromoto. The spot is inspired by true stories and the Make-A-Wish official Wish Discovery Phase that uses conversation, play and art to help children express their heartfelt wish. From dancing with Stitch, to winning the Piston Cup alongside Lightning McQueen, to having a playdate with Mickey Mouse at Disneyland, this piece explores not just how a wish comes true, but how it comes to be — from imagination to reality.
“The Hive, Brand and CSR have all come together on this. Someone on the brand team described it as the Avengers assembling, and that’s exactly what it felt like,” said Anam. “Each team brought a unique perspective and skillset to the table and bringing us together really unlocked true magic.”
The collaborative creative process was energizing for everyone involved.
“It’s meant everything to see this level of artistry and creative talent applied to a CSR story” said Anam.
“Drawn to You” is dedicated to every Make-A-Wish kid who has ever picked up a pencil and found the courage to wish, even on the hardest days. You can watch it now here!
Building a Career in Corporate Social Responsibility
Feeling inspired? Your dream career can create real impact. Check out these tips from Sarah and Anam on how to get started:
Start small
“Commit and be really good at a piece of it first and then start to broaden your skill set.” – Sarah
Take action now
“Whether it’s volunteering at Disney or outside the company, it speaks volumes when someone already has that passion and is moved by the work.” – Anam
Leverage your core strengths
“My passion is communications and storytelling, so I bring that to the forefront of our work while staying deeply committed to social impact.” – Sarah
Identify your unique value
“What is your superpower, and what can you bring to CSR? Find ways to pepper in impact in whatever you’re doing today.” – Anam
Like what you heard? Subscribe to the Life at Disney podcast to hear from the storytellers, dreamers and doers who are building their careers and making an impact across The Walt Disney Company.
