Denise Redeker

I attribute my success to the power of collaboration and the support of those around me, the inspiration I draw from women who have reinvented themselves, and the profound motivation that comes from witnessing transplant patients and their families thrive.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is that it’s never too late to start over, and that courage often comes from the support and encouragement of others. I’ve been fortunate to have so many people—mentors, colleagues, and even authors like Jen Hatmaker—who inspired me to take risks and embrace new opportunities. While I’ve never met Jen personally, reading about her journey and how she transitioned into a new phase of life was incredibly motivating. Seeing other women reinvent themselves at different stages of life has been a powerful reminder that reinvention is always possible.

On a day-to-day basis, my greatest inspiration comes from the children I work with—pediatric heart transplant patients whose growth, resilience, and joy I get to witness firsthand. Being able to support their families, ensuring they have basic needs like transportation, housing, and access to care, is deeply meaningful. Knowing that these children, after receiving a heart transplant, have the potential to make a positive impact in the world—and that I get to play even a small part in that journey—is what drives my passion every day.

My advice to young women entering this field is to look for opportunities to collaborate before you innovate. Innovation can be challenging, and especially in the nonprofit space, someone may already be tackling a similar cause. Before I started my foundation, I spent six months connecting with others in adjacent fields—learning, sharing, and finding common ground. That collaboration has been invaluable, because I truly believe that a rising tide lifts all ships. We don’t need to compete; we can uplift one another while working toward like-minded goals.

For women of all ages, don’t let ageism or fear hold you back. Returning to work or starting something new later in life can feel intimidating, but it teaches resilience and courage. Your age is just a number—never let it stop you from pursuing a calling or a dream you’re passionate about.

One of the biggest challenges in my field is raising the funds to address the financial inequities in transplant care, including the high cost of temporary lodging near transplant centers and the limited resources available specifically for heart transplant patients—both adults and children. There is also a significant national gap in support groups tailored to families navigating grief or the complexities of pediatric transplant recovery. At the same time, there are exciting opportunities to make a meaningful impact. I see great potential in scaling the Heartfelt Help Foundation model regionally and developing new national support programs in collaboration with clinical teams. By expanding access and resources, we can improve outcomes for patients and families and strengthen the overall transplant community.

The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are collaboration over competition, fostering family stability, and leading with compassion. I am deeply committed to promoting practical financial equity for medically vulnerable families and embracing the courage to reinvent myself and take action, no matter the stage of life. These principles shape the way I approach challenges, opportunities, and the impact I strive to make every day.