We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessie Swygert and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels has been so successful because the community that surrounds us believes in our mission and continues to support our programs. Unfortunately, the need for our services to patients and families continues to grow each year. Amazingly, the individuals, groups, and companies that stand by us have grown as well. Our founder, Lorraine Tallman, made a promise to her daughter to help every child diagnosed with cancer, and we will not stop until we reach that goal. Our team members are full of drive, talent, and compassion. Together, we will keep that promise to Amanda.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I absolutely love my job! I have been with Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels since I graduated from NAU (Go Lumberjacks!) in 2015. My passion is for the nonprofit world, and after my time volunteering with the patients at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, I knew that I wanted to find an organization with a focus on those families. I started with an internship when it was just our Founder and a grant writer. I slowly learned each aspect of our organization and helped grow each program. There have been challenges and obstacles to overcome along the way, but the second I walk into the hospital and see those kids, it’s all worth it. I cannot imagine working anywhere else. I am so grateful and proud of my career.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
The best part about Arizona is how quickly you can get a change of scenery. If it’s the wintertime, we would head up to Flagstaff to go snowboarding at Snowbowl and grab a bite in downtown – there are so many amazing, local spots! If it’s the summertime, we would head out to Canyon lake to go paddle boarding. Then head back to town to get a bite at Scottsdale Beer Company or Fate Brewing Company.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I cannot pick just one person. I have been blessed to meet truly incredible people throughout my time with Amanda Hope. Our volunteers selflessly give their time and show love and encouragement to our warrior families in a way that makes me proud of the organization I work for. Our team is full of people that will never give up and work harder than any team I have been a part of. We all have a personal reason for being here, and that shines through each and every day.

Website: amandahope.org
Instagram: @ahrangels
Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/amandahope or linkedin.com/in/jessicaswygert/
Twitter: @ahrangels
Facebook: facebook.com/ahrangels
Yelp: yelp.com/biz/amanda-hope-rainbow-angels-phoenix
Youtube: youtube.com/channel/UC9ghnSda0DOTvccZRgeZaHg
Other: vimeo.com/ahrangels