We are proud to welcome our former parade announcer, Tej Joshi, as our 2026 Grand Marshal. Tej says, 

​

"I currently serve as the Director of Development and Engagement for A Special Wish Foundation of Southwest Ohio, a role I stepped into at the beginning of 2026 and one that truly feels like coming full circle. While this position is new to me, nonprofit work is not. I have been involved with A Special Wish for several years, attending events, supporting fundraisers, and witnessing firsthand the life-changing impact of granting wishes to children facing life-threatening illnesses across our region.

​

Now, serving in a leadership capacity, I have the privilege of helping create moments of hope, joy, and relief for local families when they need it most. There is nothing more powerful than seeing a community rally around a child, and I am honored to help make that happen every day.

In my role, I focus on event planning, strategic fundraising, donor relations, sponsorship development, and strengthening overall community engagement. From leading signature fundraising events to cultivating meaningful donor partnerships, my goal is to connect generous individuals and organizations to a mission that transforms lives.

​

My commitment to community building extends beyond my professional role. I serve on the board of Girls on the Run of Dayton, where I primarily support the annual gala, Cocktails in Kicks, along with other event initiatives that empower young girls through confidence-building programs. I am also President of the Board for the Gem City Groundlings, Dayton’s official Shakespeare company, helping guide strategic growth and community outreach through the arts. In addition, I serve on advisory committees for Waste-Free Dayton and the International Peace Museum, assisting with planning, events, and engagement efforts that strengthen our region.

​

Storytelling has always been at the heart of my career. I spent seven years as a morning television anchor, including four years in Dayton as host of Good Day Dayton, where I had the opportunity to highlight local businesses, nonprofits, community leaders, and events that make our region special. Before that, I hosted SoKY Sunrise in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Those years sharpened my skills in communication, content creation, and community connection.

​

Today, I remain active in media as a host of the community-focused podcast Live from Springfield USA, and I have additional creative projects in development.

​

Outside of work, you will likely find me on the pickleball court, watching football, traveling to tropical beaches, or enjoying a competitive round of Monopoly Deal.