2025 40 Under 40 Winners

Since joining Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in 2017, Chelsea Kirk has raised more than $20 million in philanthropic support for pediatric care, research, and education. She successfully secured a $4.9 million bequest from a grateful family, significantly advancing the Children’s Center’s mission to provide specialized care. 

Chelsea led the creation and launch of a new fundraising 5K event that brought together over 1,700 participants and raised $140,000 in its inaugural year. She developed a $45 million proposal for a Center of Excellence, collaborating across departments and leadership to position the Children’s Center for transformative investment. 

I had a family member who sat on a board at her local children's hospital and she introduced me to development as a career. I went on to have an internship at that organization and I fell in love!

It provides me the opportunity to feel like I'm making a difference in the world and I get to see the best of people—from donors that give $1 all the way up to those who make large transformational gifts.

This past year was a real turning point in my career. When more than half our team left, a lot of responsibilities were suddenly up in the air—and many ended up on my plate to triage. I had to lean on my team and those around me for support and guidance as I figured out how to navigate everything. I’ve learned a lot about myself—and I’m still learning—especially when it comes to managing stress, understanding different work styles, and staying focused on what really matters.

Spending quality time with my friends and family—and doing my part to leave the world a little better than I found it—are what I care about most. I believe we owe it to future generations to make things better, and for me, work is also about making space to enjoy life and the people I love.

My advice to someone new to healthcare philanthropy is to ask lots of questions and embrace feedback. Ask thoughtful questions, and don’t shy away from constructive criticism—it can be challenging to hear, but it’s one of the most effective ways to grow. Welcoming feedback not only accelerates your personal growth but also builds trust and respect among colleagues, mentors, and care providers.