Volunteering has always been a passion for Juli Miller (HHS’03). It was this deep desire to make a difference that led her to what is now Purdue’s College of Health and Human Sciences, where she first discovered the path that would shape her life’s work.
Then came the day that would change everything.
While listening to the radio one afternoon during her senior year at Purdue, Miller heard about the WZPL Request-A-Thon, a fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Indianapolis. Intrigued, she called the organization to learn more—and received an invitation to intern with the foundation, helping to grant wishes to children in need.
At Purdue, Miller received the support and guidance to explore her love for giving back, and the internship with Make-A-Wish was the perfect opportunity to put what she was learning into action. Miller’s internship took place during her final semester and, after graduation, she was invited to stay with Make-A-Wish full time.
Miller dedicated herself to the organization over the next two decades and, in late 2024, she was named president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.
“I genuinely believe in the power of Make-A-Wish and see an incredible opportunity to expand our reach across our three states,” says Miller, who is from Franklin, Indiana. “My vision is to position our organization so every eligible child, even those who may not have heard about us yet, has access to the life-changing power of a wish.”
Over the years, Miller has been able to apply the skills and values she honed at Purdue in her various roles at Make-A-Wish.
Miller started out in a position that called for her to meet with prospective Make-A-Wish kids and their families to help them determine a wish. She moved on to roles supporting the volunteer program, focusing on fundraising, leading statewide operations, and overseeing chapter advancement and mission leadership.
Prior to being named CEO of Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, Miller served as chief mission delivery officer for four years. Perhaps most notably, in 2023 she helped the chapter grant a record-breaking 1,205 wishes—the most wishes granted by any Make-A-Wish chapter nationwide in a single year. Founded in 1983, the chapter has granted more than 22,000 wishes in all.
In addition to her leadership roles at Make-A-Wish, Miller serves as the Indiana director for Best Buddies International, an organization that empowers individuals with special abilities to form meaningful friendships and advocate for themselves.
“After 10 years with Make-A-Wish, one of my mentors suggested I explore an opportunity with Best Buddies,” Miller says. “I saw it as a chance to learn about another incredible organization and expand my impact in Indiana. At Best Buddies, we focus on building one-to-one friendships and promoting integrated employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). I was proud to be part of launching the integrated employment initiative in Indiana, which helps people with IDD secure jobs, earn an income, and lead independent lives.”
For Miller, helping others entails more than simply making donations—it’s about fostering kindness, compassion, and a shared social responsibility to help one another.
“Giving back also means strengthening our communities, lifting each other up, and creating a culture of generosity that benefits everyone,” she says. “When we help others, we remind ourselves that we are all connected and that even the smallest act of kindness can have a lasting impact.”
Purdue isn’t just where Miller’s career took off—it’s where her family’s story began. She met her husband, Daniel (T’03), while they were both students at the university, and the couple now has four sons who are being raised as future Boilermakers.
“Purdue will always hold a special place in my heart,” Miller says. “My husband and I are avid Purdue football and basketball fans, and we bring our boys back to West Lafayette as often as possible.”
“Victories & Heroes: Your Campaign for Purdue” is inspired by the powerful words of Purdue’s fight song, recognizing those who came before. If you have a Purdue hero in your life, we want to hear from you—share your story for an opportunity to be featured.
You can also contribute to the campaign today! Your investment will strengthen Purdue, elevate the university’s reputation, and expand opportunities for current and future Boilermakers.
—Nicolle DeWitt
