An Inspired Chat with Sophia Slates of Fort Wayne

Sophia Slates shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Sophia, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: When was the last time you felt true joy?
The last time I felt true joy was when I got to watch my volunteers take on the challenge of volunteering a big event and doing such an incredible job! Watching other people do what they do wonderfully makes my heart incredibly happy.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Sophia Slates, I am the Executive Director of The Wishes Foundation; a non-profit organization that exists to serve children in need by bringing beloved fairytale characters to life. We specialize in therapeutic programmed play in order to help improve the mental health of the children we serve. We often serve in hospitals, social service institutions, and special need schools. I joined The Wishes Foundation in 2018 and have been so honored to continue serving in different capacities over the years. I started on the Fundraising Committee, then became a Character Performer and Assistant, then joined the Executive Board as the Assistant Fundraising Director, then graduated to Executive Director in 2021. I moved to a Board of Directors role in 2022, and have recently reprized my role as Executive Director this past October 2024. I am currently working on moving our organization to Fort Wayne, IN from Nashville, TN. This is very exciting and a completely new chapter for The Wishes Foundation.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I went on a language immersion trip to France back when I was in middle school. They had us go off in groups of five without a chaperone. I had to be responsible, fully, for myself and the others I was with. It truly changed me. I now see the world as a beautiful place that deserves to explored and celebrated. I also realized how much you need to care for yourself and by being responsible you help the people around you learn to also be responsible. It helps the world become a better place!

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell myself that the biggest dreams I couldn’t even imagine are possible. That it is okay to take moments to rest, but also to chase after the dreams I have. It is important to have dreams and share those dreams with others. You never know how powerful your dreams can be until one other person joins you in your adventure. Also, don’t be afraid to talk to your friends about the hard stuff. They will help you through anything and everything.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that my faith, my family, and helping others matter the most to me.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am doing what I was born to do. I have always chased after my dreams and tried to make them happen. I am so blessed to have had people around me who love me and who have also helped me chase after those dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thewishesfoundation.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewishesfoundation/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/thewishesfoundation/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewishesfoundation/

Image Credits
Falyn Matsudaira, Katie Dorsey