This December, the CHOC Foundation proudly celebrates Denise Ogawa’s 10-year anniversary with our organization. Over the past decade, Denise, senior director of philanthropy, has helped deepen the connection between the mission at CHOC, part of Rady Children’s Health, and the compassionate community of supporters who make our work possible. Through nurturing long-standing donor relationships and creating thoughtful pathways for individuals to engage more meaningfully—particularly through planned giving—she has played a pivotal role in supporting those who wish to make a lasting difference for our children and their families.
Denise’s work is rooted in genuine gratitude, curiosity, and a profound respect for each supporter’s values and intentions. She approaches every relationship with empathy and a commitment to understanding what matters most to our community. As a leader, she fosters collaboration, positivity, and a shared sense of purpose—strengthening both the Foundation team and CHOC’s broader network of donors and advocates.
The Foundation is deeply grateful for Denise’s dedication, her generous spirit, and the impact she has helped donors create over the last 10 years.
As we honor this significant milestone, we had the opportunity to sit down with Denise for a Q&A to reflect on her decade of defending childhood.
1. What initially drew you to this work, and what continues to inspire you today?
Denise Ogawa (DO): What initially drew me to this work was the confidence that it would be personally fulfilling because, as a parent and a former early childhood educator, I care deeply about children.
Although I am an Orange County native and the word “CHOC” carried the value of having a stellar reputation for outstanding medical care, what I underestimated, and have since learned, is pretty profound. I now understand the unparalleled significance of a children’s hospital to its community. Investing what I can do to its future, including my time, is non-negotiable.
Before arriving here, I could not have understood the depth of the intentionality and compassion of the family-centered care that is delivered here, to every family. I am inspired by the whole CHOC team, from the clinicians to the child life professionals, to the researchers, the administrators, and more. Those fine people who save lives and make a child’s stay in a hospital less traumatic, along with the donors who support their work, will never cease to inspire me.
2. Looking back over the last 10 years, what accomplishments or projects are you most proud of?
DO: Without question, I am most proud of journeying alongside hundreds of donors to help them discover their inner philanthropist. This can look like a lot of things. Because my main role is planned giving, I have the unique privilege of helping regular community members to recognize that if they are going to include CHOC in their will, trust, or other estate planning vehicle, then they ARE a philanthropist. Looking back, I have witnessed dozens of beautiful moments in which a community member realizes their future gift will impact the lives of children and families they will never meet. The thought is so powerful and frequently involves tears; these are moments that will remain with me for life.
On the lighter side, for several years, I had the opportunity to perform with the talented all-volunteer CHOC Follies cast. Their dedication inspired me into action! Being on stage was a completely new experience, so it was ambitious, challenging, a little bit crazy, one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life, and I got to wear some fantastic wigs.
3. How has your role evolved over time, and what have you learned along the way?
DO: On the surface it might look like my role has evolved quite a bit over time, but at the core, it really has not changed that much. I am here for the community of wonderful people who want to support CHOC’s patients and their families. Ahead of all else, this involves lots of listening and an abundance of gratitude.
4. What do you enjoy most about working with your colleagues, volunteers, and donor community?
DO: What I enjoy most is the shared sense of purpose. Everyone—whether a colleague, volunteer, or donor—has a gravitational pull toward making a difference for children. Donors and volunteers are showing up to give something that they don’t have to share, whether it be their time or their resources, or both. Continuing to witness the ripple effect of generosity is contagious and inspiring.
5. What advice would you share with someone beginning their career in philanthropy or nonprofit leadership?
DO: If you start by grounding yourself in a mission you believe in, the motivation to bring your best work will come naturally. This is cliché, but if you are the smartest person in the room, find another room!
6. What are you looking forward to in the next chapter of your work here?
DO: I’m looking forward to deepening relationships and meeting new people who feel called to make a positive impact for children who need CHOC.
Join us in celebrating Denise’s 10-year work anniversary with the CHOC Foundation. We’re grateful for her remarkable contributions as senior director of philanthropy and the meaningful partnerships that she continues to cultivate for the future.
