Her Story
About Rebecca
Rebecca Fre-Hiwet is an Operations Manager at Corporate Angel Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to arranging free flights on corporate aircraft for cancer patients traveling outside their home state to receive treatment. She joined Corporate Angel Network in 2022 as a Flight Coordinator, coordinating flights for patients and corporate partners, and advanced to Operations Manager in 2024. In her current role, she oversees day-to-day operations, logistics, financial management, policy implementation, and compliance while supporting the organization's mission of connecting cancer patients with critical medical care.
Rebecca brings more than 12 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, with a background spanning operations, quality assurance, compliance, and services supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Before joining Corporate Angel Network, she held roles including Quality Assurance Coordinator at Community Options, Inc. and Compliance Specialist at The Institute of Applied Human Dynamics. Her professional experience has given her a broad foundation in nonprofit operations, auditing, regulatory compliance, financial oversight, and program administration.
Rebecca's commitment to mission-driven work is deeply personal. After losing her father to cancer, she developed a strong passion for helping other cancer patients, while becoming a mother strengthened her determination to succeed. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she serves as a volunteer grantor with Make-A-Wish and is a member of the National Business Aviation Association. She attributes her success to personal drive, passion, family, and a commitment to continuous learning, and she emphasizes integrity, honesty, authenticity, and family as guiding values in both her professional and personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rebecca
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my dad and my daughter. Losing my dad to cancer led me to develop a passion for helping other cancer patients, while becoming a mother gave me an even greater drive and determination to succeed. My personal drive and passion have often taken precedence over formal credentials and have motivated me to continue pursuing opportunities where I can make a meaningful difference.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is not to think that I know everything. There is always more to learn, and I believe it is important to remain curious, continue developing professionally, and never be afraid to admit when I do not know the answer.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering the nonprofit industry to follow their passion and seek out an organization whose mission genuinely speaks to them. It is never too late to pursue meaningful work or make a difference. At the same time, I would encourage the next generation to take care of themselves and remember that personal well-being is an important part of building a sustainable and fulfilling career.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are morals, family, integrity, honesty, and authenticity. I believe these principles should guide how I treat others, approach my responsibilities, and contribute to the organizations and communities I serve.
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