Tosha Wise: A Journey of Purpose, Resilience, and Unwavering Compassion

In a world shaped by voices of impact and compassion, Tosha Wise stands out as a leader who transforms personal adversity into collective hope. Her journey, rooted in resilience, authenticity, and purpose, has inspired communities and created meaningful change within the cystic fibrosis landscape. For more than a decade, she has balanced a thriving corporate career with an unwavering commitment to fundraising, mentorship, and advocacy. Guided by a deep belief in service, Tosha often says, “When you’re given the gift of time, you use it to uplift others.” This philosophy has become the heartbeat of her mission.

Tosha’s professional path began in 2013 when, at just 20 years old, she joined Walmart Corporate as a temporary associate. Her talent and dedication quickly earned her a full-time position, where she gained hands-on experience across multiple departments, setting up vendors, designing store layouts, and supporting merchandising teams with modular execution strategies. These early years shaped her understanding of business operations, teamwork, and adaptability.

A corporate layoff later shifted her trajectory, leading her into the vendor side of the industry. She joined Epoca International, where she supported the launch of Tasty Cookware at Walmart, an experience that strengthened her understanding of product development and retail collaboration. During a brief transition period, she worked as a Brewista at a local coffee chain, reflecting her willingness to learn, rebuild, and evolve without hesitation.

Her career accelerated again in Fall 2020 when she joined Acosta. Starting as a Business Manager Assistant, she was selected for the Leadership Development Program, its first year choosing only internal candidates, and after graduating, she was promoted to Business Manager, marking an important milestone in her leadership journey.

In 2022, she took on a role at Storck, overseeing Walmart retail activations for beloved brands such as Werther’s Original and Mamba. Her ability to blend strategy with execution made her a trusted partner in driving both seasonal and everyday retail growth.
By January 2025, Tosha stepped into a role that united her professional strengths with her personal mission. As an Account Executive at Raise Away, she partners with nonprofits and schools across the Midwest, building relationships and creating meaningful pathways for community impact. She also plays a key role in developing a national partnership with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, an organization central to her life since childhood.

For over 12 years, fundraising has been her purpose, shaped by her own experience living with cystic fibrosis. “I’m lucky to be alive in a time when medication improves quality of life,” she says. “But there is still no cure. People are still fighting. Science needs momentum and science saves lives.”

Her involvement with the CF Foundation spans mentorship for young professionals, committee leadership, event support, and board service. Her efforts have been repeatedly recognized, earning the CF Star Award twice, in 2018 and 2024. She also made state history in 2019 as the first Arkansan with CF to be named a Finest Honoree, raising a record-breaking $50,000 in just six months.
Her determination springs from a deep commitment to helping others feel supported. “Organizations that exist to make the world kinder and better inspire me daily,” she shares. “Everyone deserves resources, care, and hope.”

Tosha describes her leadership style as enthusiastic, collaborative, and firmly grounded in servant leadership. “I put passion into every interaction,” she explains. “When you understand what your team needs to be successful, you naturally grow together.”
Her strengths, tenacity, resilience, and passion, are woven into everything she does. She is also refreshingly honest about her growth areas. “My weakness is saying ‘yes’ too often. I love creative opportunities, but I’m learning that ‘no’ can sometimes be an act of focus, not refusal.’”

Despite her demanding schedule, Tosha remains intentional about balance. For her, movement is key, walks, fresh air, and being outdoors help her reset. “I once read, ‘You can do anything, but not everything,’ and that quote stays with me,” she says.
Her greatest joy comes from time with her husband and two daughters, road trips, kickboxing, baking, car karaoke, and a growing love for travel that fills her life with warmth and adventure. Motherhood is a gift she once thought impossible, and today she embraces the chance to show her daughters what hope, compassion, and community truly mean. Looking ahead, Tosha aims to build deeper partnerships with organizations close to her heart, including Ronald McDonald House and Make-A-Wish Foundation. Her vision remains rooted in empathy and impact, ensuring that no one facing illness ever feels alone.

Her message to readers is simple but powerful,“Fundraising changes lives. Hope changes lives. And being part of that change is the greatest honor of my life.”

Through every role, every contribution, and every heartfelt effort, Tosha Wise continues to prove that purpose can be the most powerful form of leadership. Her story is not just one of resilience, it is a reminder that when passion aligns with service, extraordinary things happen.