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Together, we create life-changing wishes for children fighting critical illnesses in Maryland, D.C. and northern Virginia.

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the WISH Luncheon. We are so glad you’re here.

This afternoon is about coming together in a meaningful way. It’s about the kind of connection that happens when women show up with generosity, openness, and a shared desire to make a difference. There is real power in that, and you can feel it in the conversations, the energy, and the sense of purpose that brings us all together.

Today is a celebration of that collective spirit. You will hear from Wish Alumnae whose stories reflect not only the impact of a wish, but the resilience and strength that carry them forward. We are also honored to welcome Sheila Johnson for a special fireside chat that will offer insight, perspective, and inspiration, thoughtfully guided by Eun Yang.

luncheon

At its core, the WISH Luncheon is about connection. It is about coming together in support of children and families navigating critical illness, and recognizing the role each of us can play in bringing moments of joy, strength, and hope into their lives. Every conversation and every act of generosity today helps make that possible.

Thank you for being here, for the energy you bring, and for the impact you make. We are so grateful to be part of this community with you.

With gratitude

Hillary Hamm and Leighanne Scott WISH Luncheon Co-Chairs

WOMEN INSPIRING STRENGTH AND HOPE

Welcome

Lesli Creedon, President and CEO

WishAlumnaePanel

Moderated by Eun Yang

Haley Gibson ‘25

Janae Williams ‘26

Reflection

Melissa Prather, CRO

Break

Lunch is served

Co-ChairWelcome

Hillary Hamm and Leighanne Scott

FiresideChat

Eun Yang and Sheila Johnson

ClosingRemarks

Melissa Prather, CRO

Inspiring Strength and H

ABOUT SHEILA JOHNSON

2026 WISH Luncheon Featured Speaker

A trailblazer in business, Sheila Johnson is the Founder & CEO of Salamander Collection, ranked as Best Luxury Hotel Brand, and where she has built a distinguished portfolio of luxury hospitality properties Renowned as the co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), she is also a partner of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, and the only African American woman to have ownership in three professional sports teams: Washington Mystics, Washington Wizards, and Washington Capitals.

She spearheaded the formation of WE Capital, a venture capital consortium to support and invest in female-led enterprises Ms Johnson is a member of

the American Academy Sciences, where she ser Education Committee; Founding Benefactor for the Consortium for Art and Culture in America; board member of Simon & Schuster Publishing Advisory Board, Aspen Music Festival and School, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and a committee member of the NeuroArts Blueprint: Advancing the Science of Arts, Health and Well-Being

The Sheila Johnson Fellowship at the Harvard Kennedy School supported a cohort of 50 fellows. A powerful influence in the entertainment industry, she served as executive producer of documentary and feature films and is founder and chair of the Middleburg Film Festival

AlumnaePanelists

Janae Newkirk ‘26 blood disorder

Iwish... TO GO ON A DISNEY CRUISE

Janae loves all things Disney, including her favorite character, Minnie Mouse. When she receives treatments, she often sees Disney Cruise commercials, which helped inspire her wish to go on a Disney Cruise. She had an amazing time enjoying the pool, visiting the beach, and most importantly, spending quality time together with her family, making special memories she’ll always cherish.

Haley Gibson ‘25 respiratory disorder

Iwish... TO MEET SIMONE BILES

Haley is a gymnast and lives with a respiratory disorder. When she was granted her wish to meet Simone Biles, it gave her hope during difficult times and was an unforgettable experience. That moment inspired Haley to keep working hard, believe in herself, and continue pursuing what she loves.

EUN YANG

Inspiring Strength and H

2026 WISH Luncheon Moderator

Eun Yang anchors News4 at 4 and News4 at 6 for NBC4, the #1 rated evening newscast in Washington Since joining the station, she has covered major events including presidential inaugurations, papal visits, the Olympics in South Korea and Tokyo, and Opening Day at Nationals Park She previously spent more than a decade anchoring News4 Today, earning multiple Emmy awards while delivering breaking overnight news, severe weather updates, and key stories affecting the Washington region. In addition to anchoring, Yang reports on meaningful community issues and has been recognized with awards for specials such as Inequality in America: Tackling the

Rise in Anti-Asian Hate, hosting the local resta “Foodies: DC ”

Before NBC4, Yang worked at the National Geographic Channel and WUSA-TV. She has received numerous honors for her journalism and community impact. Born in Seoul, Korea, and raised in the Washington area, she is a graduate of the University of Maryland and lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband and three children