Susan Wandishin
Susan Wandishin is a dedicated nonprofit leader and Senior Director of Operations at the Dear Jack Foundation, where she plays a pivotal role in advancing programs that support adolescents and young adults (AYA) affected by cancer. With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, she is known for her hands-on leadership style, overseeing program management, volunteer coordination, strategic partnerships, and large-scale event execution. Her work centers on building meaningful connections and fostering communication that ensures no young adult facing cancer feels alone in their journey.
Wandishin’s career began in education, where she served as a high school special education teacher, supporting students with learning disabilities and behavioral challenges. After stepping into full-time parenting and community volunteer leadership roles, she transitioned into nonprofit work as a volunteer coordinator for Love, Hope, Strength, where she managed hundreds of volunteer-led donor registration events nationwide. She later joined the Dear Jack Foundation as a part-time office manager and steadily rose through the ranks, ultimately shaping and expanding its community programming and volunteer engagement initiatives.
In her current role, Wandishin leads innovative efforts such as the organization’s large-scale letter-writing campaign, which delivers thousands of personalized messages of encouragement to cancer patients each quarter. She also collaborates on strategic partnerships and spearheads fundraising events, including the foundation’s flagship benefit concert and the “Raise Your Voice” campaign, which contributes significantly to its annual funding. Deeply committed to advocacy, she works to elevate awareness of the AYA cancer community—an often underserved population—while striving to create impactful resources, strengthen support systems, and inspire hope through every aspect of her work.
• Financial Success for Nonprofits
• University of Missouri-Columbia - B.Ed.
• Colorado Cancer Coalition — Pediatric and AYA Task Force
• Dear Jack Foundation
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the consistent support of leaders and mentors—particularly my current director—along with the collaborative insight of trusted thought partners, including my husband. Equally important are the skills I have developed over time through hands-on program work and meaningful volunteer experiences.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received has come from the steady guidance and support of those around me. My current boss has been an exceptional mentor, consistently offering encouragement and helping me build confidence in moments of doubt, while my husband—drawing from over 30 years in consulting and business operations—has been a trusted thought partner whose insights have shaped many of my decisions. I’ve also been uplifted by my sisters and early mentors in teaching, whose strength and encouragement have inspired me to trust my path. I’m deeply grateful for their influence and hope to pay it forward by supporting and inspiring other young women.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the nonprofit space is to stay grounded in your purpose and remain authentic in everything you do. Just when you think you have everything figured out, you’ll realize there’s always more to learn—so trust your journey and stay true to yourself. Lead with an open heart, keep your “why” at the center of your work, and prioritize building meaningful connections. Seek out mentors who can guide and support you through transitions, helping you grow into your role so you can create a meaningful impact and, in turn, inspire others.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life center on compassion, authenticity, and meaningful connection. In my work, I’m deeply committed to honoring and walking alongside young adults as they navigate incredibly difficult moments, while also supporting their families with resources, reassurance, and a sense of hope—reminding them they are not alone. Personally, I value balance and joy, which I find through my love for the outdoors, time spent with my husband, supporting causes I care about, and simple pleasures like reading, traveling, and being with our dog. These experiences keep me grounded and allow me to show up fully, both in my work and in my relationships.
Locations
Dear Jack Foundation
Aurora, CO 80016