Company collaboration turned personal passion. Meet Heather Hille!

At Pinky Swear Foundation, we are lucky to have a community of supporters dedicated to helping kids with cancer and their families with financial and emotional support. Key to this community is our Board of Directors, a group of individuals who invest their time, expertise, and strengths in working towards the vision of saying ‘yes!’ to every family. In this series, we’ll be introducing members from the Board of Directors and giving you a glimpse into their story.

For Heather Hille, what started as a chance collaboration between The Toro Company and Pinky Swear Foundation quickly became something much deeper - a heartfelt commitment to helping kids with cancer and the families. Since joining the Board of Directors in January 2025, Heather has brought curiosity, compassion, and a steady focus on growth to every conversation, making her an invaluable asset to the Pinky Swear Board of Directors.

As Managing Director of Corporate Affairs at The Toro Company, Heather uses her voice and expertise to share the Pinky Swear story, inspire others, and grow the community of people who care to expand support for the families we serve. Read on to learn more about Heather and why she chose to share her talents with Pinky Swear Foundation!

Q: What drew you to Pinky Swear Foundation?

A: I was introduced to Pinky Swear several years ago through a unique project-based partnership between my employer and the Pinky Swear leadership team, where we collectively worked on some strategic planning and talent development opportunities benefiting both organizations. After having experienced what Pinky Swear does to help support families affected by a childhood cancer diagnosis, I knew that I wanted to be more involved in its mission when the “right” time presented itself.

Q: There are a lot of organizations that support the cancer community. What about Pinky Swear’s mission stands out to you?

A: As a parent, I cannot imagine how scary and life-altering it would be to receive a childhood cancer diagnosis. Providing support and resources to affected families is one meaningful way that the organization can try to ease the worry, so parents can focus on the important things, like getting the necessary care and treatment for their child.

Q: What do each of the Pinky Swear values (Compassion, Collaboration, Celebration) mean to you?

A: Now more than ever, I think showing compassion to one another is important. We don’t always know what is going on in others’ lives, so consider showing some grace before jumping to conclusions. It is true that we are all able to achieve more when we can successfully work together and collaborate as a team. Finally, celebrating successes, both big and small, are things we should intentionally prioritize. Too often, it is easy to jump right to the next hurdle or challenge without truly appreciating the wins. We all need those positive boosts to keep going! These collective values provide a great foundation and can be applied universally in so many aspects of day-to-day life.

Q: Is there a particular accomplishment during your tenure on the Board of Directors that you’re proud of or hope to accomplish?

A: Through my role on the board, I am hopeful that I can help bring more visibility to the great work that the Pinky Swear team does to help families affected by childhood cancer. I am committed to getting the word out and exploring new opportunities to promote awareness, with the overall goal of expanding Pinky Swear’s existing donor support network. This will, in turn, provide greater access to resources for more families in need.

Q: What talents do you bring to the Board of Directors?

A: I tend to be a curious person, so I enjoy listening and learning – understanding what is going well and where there are opportunities for meaningful improvement. I then try to focus on a few specific areas where my skills and experiences can lend value relative to the collective strengths of the broader team, as we strive to achieve shared goals together.

Q: What have you learned or hope to learn during your time on the Board of Directors?

A: Since I joined the board of directors, I have learned that establishing consistency and a planful approach to budgeting are incredibly important for a nonprofit organization. Particularly during dynamic times, when the need is often even greater for those seeking support from groups like Pinky Swear. I have admired the staff’s approach to supporting as many families as possible in a meaningful way, while also prudently managing near and long-term financial implications.

Q: What are your hopes for Pinky Swear Foundation in the childhood cancer space?

A: My hope is that Pinky Swear’s powerful mission and history of meaningful giving receive greater visibility and recognition, so the organization can continue to grow its reach. Many of us know someone who has been personally touched by cancer, and it’s easy to feel connected to the cause once you understand the legacy that began with Mitch’s act of kindness.

Q: If there was one thing you wanted people to know about Pinky Swear Foundation, what would it be?

A: The mission of Pinky Swear is funded by donations from generous individuals, foundations, and corporate partners whose gifts range in size, type, and scope, all of which are meaningful. There are so many ways to get involved, provide support, and bring visibility to this important work. Please consider the time and talents you have to help further Mitch’s legacy.