The CHOC Walk in the Park, presented by Disneyland® Resort, is a unique experience that unites our community at Disneyland® Resort for a meaningful, inspiring walk across Disneyland® park and Disney California Adventure® park—all in support of children’s health and well-being.
Behind every unforgettable CHOC Walk in the Park is a team of passionate people working year-round behind the scenes to make the magic happen. For the past decade, Ashley Loera, senior associate director of community engagement at the CHOC Foundation, has been leading the way.
Over the last 10 years, she’s helped guide and shape CHOC Walk through major milestones, from leading the event through seasons of growth and change to celebrating its highest fundraising year ever in 2025 and growing the event into the beloved community tradition it is today. Throughout it all, Ashley has kept children and families at the heart of every decision.
The Foundation is grateful for her 10 years of service. To honor her milestone, we sat down with her for a Q&A to reflect on the moments that have defined her journey, the families who continue to inspire her, and the legacy she hopes to leave through CHOC Walk and beyond.
1. What initially drew you to this work, and what has kept you inspired over the past 10 years?
Ashley Loera (AL): I heard about Rady Children’s Health Orange County, formerly CHOC, through my past positions and its involvement with the Disneyland® Resort. It seemed like a good fit because our team works so closely with the Disneyland® Resort through the CHOC Walk. But from that perspective, I didn’t realize how important the work at Rady Children’s was. Since then, I have built deeper ties to the organization and our mission. Meeting new families and working with teams keeps me inspired every day—listening to their stories of triumph and heartache, of uphill battles, and of wanting to spend any extra free time during their journey giving back to the cause has kept me here for so long. And since becoming a mom, these stories have resonated even more deeply with me and given me a purpose not only for our community but also for my family, if I ever needed it.
2. Looking back on your time at the CHOC Foundation, what accomplishment or project are you most proud of?
AL: Seeing the CHOC Walk’s transformation from when I first started to where it is now has been such an honor. Being part of historic moments for the event, from the highest fundraising year ever at $3M+ to the changes brought on by COVID (all while in the driver’s seat), is something I’ll tell my kids about with pride when they’re older.
3. How has your role evolved over the years, and what are some key lessons you’ve learned along the way?
AL: When I first started, I was very much driving with a logistics and event focus, coming from a very heavy event background. But as I progressed in my time at the CHOC Foundation, that focus shifted to a more peer-to-peer approach centered on the teams and families, and on how to involve our community in the event’s future. It’s taught me to be more patient and adaptable, since creative community outreach does not fall within the same realms as logistical timelines and organizational models.
4. What do you enjoy most about working with your colleagues, volunteers, or donor community?
AL: I love that we all share the same drive toward a common purpose and that when we say everything we do is “for the kids,” we actually mean it.
5. What advice would you share with someone beginning their career in philanthropy or nonprofit leadership?
AL: Be patient with yourself and others, because the world of philanthropy moves at its own pace, and it’s easy to get discouraged when you’re not able to accomplish everything right away. Never stop having hope for the future and never lose sight of your dreams; they may take longer than you expected, but the beauty of the nonprofit world is that you know you’ll be able to make an impact in some way, shape, or form; it just may not be the way you expected.
6. What are you looking forward to in the next chapter of your work here?
AL: Being able to leave a lasting legacy at the CHOC Walk and within the Foundation as a whole.
Join us in celebrating Ashley’s 10-year work anniversary with the CHOC Foundation. We appreciate her vision that has helped shape the CHOC Walk into what it is today, and the valuable partnerships she continues to build for the future.
