Across every industry, true impact is made when passion meets purpose and where innovation sparks meaningful change. Fundraising, a field driven by heart and results, demands creativity and dedication to uplift causes and communities. In this dynamic space, raising support is about transforming generosity into lasting outcomes—where every effort ripples outward, magnifying kindness and inclusion.
Tosha Wise, Account Executive at Raise Away, embodies this mission with over a decade of experience in creative fundraising and event planning. Motivated by her own journey living with cystic fibrosis, she combines professional expertise with heartfelt advocacy to drive positive change. At Raise Away, Tosha leverages her skills to empower nonprofits by connecting them with innovative fundraising solutions centered around luxury travel auctions, helping causes unlock new streams of support and deepen donor engagement. Her commitment to philanthropy and relationship-building fuels her impact every day.
A Career Shaped by Experience, Resilience, and Purpose
Tosha Wise began her professional career by stepping into Corporate America through a temporary role at Walmart’s Corporate Office in 2013 at the age of 20. After six months, she was hired full- time and worked across various departments, including vendor setup, designing store layouts using a retail version of AutoCAD, and merchandising, where she supported three Merchants with modular execution strategies. Following a corporate layoff, she transitioned to the vendor side, supporting the launch of Tasty Cookware at Walmart with Epoca International from late 2017 to early 2018. During this period, she also worked briefly as a barista at a local coffee chain while seeking new opportunities.
In the fall of 2020, Tosha joined Acosta to further broaden her retail experience, starting as a Business Manager Assistant and entering the Leadership Development Program, which selected only internal candidates that year. Upon graduating, she was promoted to Business Manager. In 2022, she took on a role at Storck, managing retail activations in Walmart stores and supporting growth for well-known brands such as Werther’s Original and Mamba.
In January 2025, Tosha Wise began her current role as an Account Executive at Raise Away, covering the Midwest region by building relationships with nonprofit organizations and schools, and establishing a national partnership with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Her connection to Raise Away began after winning a trip at a CFF gala in 2023, which led her to explore the organization’s work, apply for a position, and eventually join when the timing was right.
Innovative Fundraising to Help Nonprofits Grow
Raise Away is a company dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations and schools raise funds through unique and innovative fundraising solutions. Founded in 2018, it specializes in offering luxury travel auction packages that enable nonprofits to access previously untapped donor budgets within the $100 billion annual U.S. vacation rental market. Raise Away’s approach is refreshingly different from traditional consignment companies, focusing on making fundraising fun, easy, and effective by providing bright, unique, and high-quality auction items.
The company operates as a fully remote digital business, which helps keep costs low while delivering exceptional service and memorable experiences to donors. With a mission to empower nonprofits to make a larger impact, Raise Away positions itself as a vibrant and disruptive force in the fundraising industry, helping organizations exceed their goals with creative solutions and personalized support.
How does Raise Away work?
- Nonprofits receive luxury vacation packages.
- Donors bid on unique travel experiences.
- Raised funds to support nonprofit causes.
- New donor pool tapped from existing vacation budgets.
A Personal Fight That Became a Professional Mission
Living with cystic fibrosis has been one of the most defining aspects of Tosha Wise’s personal and professional journey. Starting a corporate career at the age of 20 felt unexpected to her, as she never initially thought in terms of “building a career” but simply knew that adults worked and that she did not want to remain in fast-food jobs, having started out at Subway and Sonic. She has always enjoyed working, and managing cystic fibrosis from a young age taught her to manage her time well and plan ahead, even though it also brought its own set of challenges.
These experiences shaped the way Tosha chose to show up in her professional life, with her health as a priority and a commitment to being open about her cystic fibrosis. Through this openness, she found a supportive community and was introduced to the Cystic Fibrosis
Foundation, participating in her first Great Strides walk in 2014, which ignited her passion for helping others. It was one of the first times she experienced the CF community beyond isolation, masks, and distance, and it deepened her understanding of the complexity of the disease and the impact she could make by raising funds and sharing her story to build awareness. “I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and I believe that led me here today,” Tosha Wise says.
Understanding Client Needs with Care and Attention
Tosha approaches account management with the mindset that “it’s just a conversation.” She believes it is easy to get caught up in the pressure of “the sell,” but her focus is on genuinely learning about the mission of each organization, understanding which fundraising tactics have been effective or not, and discovering their donors’ interests. This approach builds the foundation for long-term relationships, as it brings genuine intentions to every interaction. “The more I learn, the more I can help,” she says, underscoring that the best way to gain insight and serve clients effectively is through open, honest conversations. This strategy enables her to develop deeper client connections and tailor solutions that truly meet their needs.
Establishing a Trusted Partnership for a Vital Cause
During her time at Raise Away, Tosha Wise played a key role in establishing a national partnership with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This partnership, officially confirmed in July 2025, designated Raise Away as a trusted and vetted consignment vendor for the Foundation. The collaboration streamlined the process for the Foundation’s field staff to select consignment packages for auctions across the country. This achievement is especially significant to Tosha, as it combines her professional dedication with a personal connection to the cause.
Through this partnership, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation gained access to unique travel experiences to offer donors, whose support funds critical research aimed at improving the lives of those living with cystic fibrosis. This milestone reflects both Tosha’s meaningful contribution and her professional growth.
Although she has not yet been featured in published articles, Tosha Wise has appeared on respected platforms such as the CUTV NEWS Podcast Interview and Passion Vista’s 2025 Global Gamechangers.
Thriving in a Supportive and Motivating Team
Tosha feels fortunate to be part of the team at Raise Away, where she looks forward to starting each day and communicating with her colleagues. She recognizes that in 2025, not everyone has the privilege of enjoying such a positive and motivating work environment. The dedication and energy her teammates bring to their work are unmatched, especially in their shared mission to support nonprofits in fundraising. This team culture, where everyone lifts each other up both professionally and personally, creates a meaningful and fulfilling workplace experience for Tosha. The strong bonds and shared commitment to the mission enhance their collective success and make their work truly rewarding.
Record-Breaking Fundraising Milestones and Personal Impact
Tosha Wise’s personal fundraising journey reflects her deep passion for the cystic fibrosis (CF) community, driven by her own experience living with the condition. This commitment has fueled record-breaking achievements and strengthened her effectiveness at Raise Away, where she channels every dollar raised into meaningful impact.
- Recipient of the CF Star Award in 2018 and 2023, recognizing volunteers with CF who support the community through engagement, fundraising, advocacy, awareness, education, and other efforts.
- “CFF Finest Honoree” nominee and Top Fundraiser Award winner in 2019.
- As an honoree that year, raised $50,000—breaking records as the top fundraiser and becoming the first person in Arkansas with CF to earn the nomination—while sharing her story with over 600 attendees at the event.
- Great Strides Walk Team Leader from 2018 to present, consistently raising $3,000 to $5,000 annually.
Success Through Being Authentic
At this stage in her career, Tosha Wise defines success as showing up fully as her authentic self. Being true to herself has fostered genuine connections—with the work she does, the funds she raises during campaigns, and the people she meets. “The passion I have for philanthropy and people isn’t something I need to shrink. Not anymore,” she says, emphasizing how embracing authenticity enhances her impact and fulfillment in her role as an Account Executive.
Open Letter for Future Women Leaders
Dear Future Women Leaders,
My advice to you is simple: Be you.
For much of my career, even in the world of corporate life, I was often told I was “too much” and expected to tone myself down. But I have learned that we are at our most powerful when we show up as our full, authentic selves. Society often tries to fit women into a narrow box—and that is outdated and untrue. Celebrate your uniqueness. Celebrate what you bring to the table.
Celebrate how you shine. And don’t forget to celebrate other women for their gifts and light as well. Doing this will open doors for you—perhaps doors you didn’t expect—but those doors may lead to the leadership and inspiration that someone else needs.
With encouragement,
Tosha Wise, Account Executive Raise Away
5 Key Takeaways from Tosha Wise’s Inspiring Impact
- Purpose-Driven Fundraising: Tosha Wise uses her personal journey with cystic fibrosis and her professional skills to help nonprofits grow through meaningful, innovative fundraising solutions.
- A Career Built on Resilience: Her path from early corporate roles to becoming an Account Executive shows how perseverance, learning, and adaptability can shape a strong career.
- Innovation Through Raise Away: By offering luxury travel auction packages, Tosha and Raise Away help nonprofits reach new donors and unlock fresh funding opportunities.
- Authentic Client Relationships: Tosha believes in honest, open conversations to understand each organization’s needs, allowing her to build trusted and lasting partnerships.
- Empowering Others Through Authenticity: She encourages women to embrace their true selves, using her own experience to show that authenticity leads to confidence, connection, and greater impact.
