Heddy Rassekh on Compassion, Purpose & Giving Back

The Power of a Wish: Heddy Rassekh on Compassion, Purpose & Giving Back

Make-A-Wish France Gala in Paris, attended by Heddy Rassekh. All images all rights reserved.

At this year’s Make-A-Wish France Gala in Paris, elegance met purpose, and few embodied that union more poignantly than Heddy Rassekh. A designer, philanthropist, and mother whose life has been shaped by an unwavering compassion, Heddy stood among the guests not as a figure of glamour alone, but as someone who intimately understands the stakes behind every child’s wish.
Her presence at the gala illuminated a simple truth: granting a wish is far more than a moment of joy, it can be a lifeline.

In our conversation, Heddy reflected on the transformative power of hope, the resilience she has seen in children and families navigating unimaginable challenges, and the responsibility she feels to champion causes that restore dignity and possibility. With clarity, gentleness, and a sense of purpose rooted in lived experience, she invites us to rethink what it truly means to give back, and why even the smallest act of kindness can ripple into something life-changing.

What moved you most about the Make-A-Wish France Gala this year, and what inspired your
decision to support the foundation?

Heddy Rassekh - What moved me the most was witnessing the transformative power of hope in action. At the gala, I saw children who are navigating incredibly difficult medical journeys, yet their eyes carried pure joy simply because someone believed in their dream. Make-A-Wish doesn’t just grant wishes—it restores strength, emotional resilience, and dignity. Supporting the foundation was not a decision; it was a calling. No child should ever feel limited by illness when their imagination is infinite.

As a mother, how did witnessing the stories of the children and families at the gala resonate
with you personally?
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As a mother who has walked through the unthinkable, every story at the gala reached a place in my heart that words rarely touch. I’m not only aware of the emotional and medical stages these families endure, I have lived them. Their fears, their hopes, their endless hospital hours, the language of medical charts and waiting rooms… it is all deeply familiar. Losing my child reshaped the way I see purpose, fragility, and strength. It taught me that while pain may change you, love must continue to lead you. So when I witness a child’s wish being granted, I don’t see a moment of celebration — I see a lifeline, a breath of relief, a reminder that even in the hardest journeys, joy is still allowed to exist. That is why I stand with these families not only as a supporter, but as someone who understands, fully and quietly, the weight they carry and the light they still deserve.

What do you think the world needs to know about the powerful impact of granting a child’s
wish?

A wish is not a luxury—it is a lifeline. When a child receives a wish, their emotional and physical state shifts. Their motivation to heal strengthens, their spirit lifts, and their sense of possibility expands. Scientific studies have shown that joy and optimism truly affect recovery outcomes. A wish tells a child: You deserve magic, even in hardship. And that message alone can change their world.

You’ve long been active in philanthropic work. What values or experiences shaped this
commitment to giving back?

My upbringing instilled in me the belief that blessings carry responsibility. We are not here merely to succeed individually, but to widen the path for others to rise. Throughout my career, I’ve met individuals whose lives changed because someone cared enough to step in—that is where my sense of duty was shaped. Giving back is not a chapter in my life; it is its foundation.

How do you choose the causes you support, and what criteria matter most to you when
aligning with a foundation?

I align with causes that are transparent, child-centered, and impactful beyond a single moment. I look for organizations that create real emotional and social change, not only symbolic support. Integrity, purpose, and measurable effect are essential. When a foundation truly transforms the lives of children, families, or marginalized communities, I feel compelled to stand with them.

​In your view, how can high-profile events like this gala encourage more people, especially in
the region, to engage in meaningful philanthropy?

High-profile platforms shift philanthropy from quiet generosity to collective responsibility. When leaders, artists, and influencers use their visibility to advocate for children’s causes, philanthropy becomes accessible—not reserved for a few. In our region specifically, showcasing the success of initiatives encourages more people to participate, donate, or volunteer. It normalizes giving, and that cultural momentum is invaluable.

How has your journey as a fashion designer influenced the way you approach community
work and social responsibility?

Fashion teaches storytelling, identity, and empowerment. My work is rooted in understanding people—their emotions, their dreams, their inner world. That sensitivity translates naturally into philanthropy. I’ve learned that beauty is not only aesthetic; it is deeply human. Just as fashion uplifts confidence, community support uplifts humanity. Both require intention, empathy, and vision.

What do you hope children learn from seeing you balance motherhood, business, and
philanthropy?

I hope they learn that success carries meaning only when shared. I want them to understand that kindness is strength, compassion is leadership, and giving back is a privilege, not a duty. If they grow up believing they can build, create, and uplift simultaneously, then I’ve honored my role both as a mother and a woman in service.

What message would you share with people who are often discouraged from giving back?

​You don’t need abundance to give—you need intention. A gesture, a visit, a hand, or even a kind word can change someone’s emotional landscape. Philanthropy is not about scale; it is about heart. When giving comes from sincerity, it is never too small.

Are there upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited to champion within the
philanthropic space?

Yes, there are several initiatives in development that focus on children’s emotional wellbeing and creative empowerment. I believe that children deserve spaces to dream, create, and express themselves freely, even in difficult circumstances. Soon, I hope to announce collaborations that merge arts, healing, and community support across both Egypt and Europe.

How do you envision your role evolving in the coming years when it comes to supporting
children’s causes, both in Egypt and internationally?

My goal is to move beyond participation and into structured, sustainable advocacy. I envision creating bridges between international foundations and regional communities, ensuring access to emotional care, medical support, and life-enriching experiences. Ultimately, I want to contribute to a world where every child—regardless of geography—knows that their dreams matter and their voice is heard.
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