SeriousFun Children's Network Welcomes New Board Members
On November 14, 2025, SeriousFun Children's Network announced the addition of Denise Bailey-Castro and Camilla Castro to its Board of Directors. The organization, known for its global network of medical specialty camps catering to children with serious medical conditions, continues its commitment to empower these young individuals and their families by providing transformative camp experiences at no cost.
Founded in 1988 by actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, SeriousFun has been a beacon of hope for families facing significant health challenges. The appointments of Denise and Camilla come at a critical time, as the network aims to expand its impact and reach across the globe. Blake Maher, the CEO of SeriousFun Children’s Network, expressed his enthusiasm for the new additions, stating, "Denise and Camilla bring exceptional leadership experience and a shared passion for empowering young people. Their strategic insight and commitment to children facing health challenges will strengthen our mission and enhance the lasting impact we deliver to children around the world."
Profiles of Denise Bailey-Castro and Camilla Castro
Denise Bailey-Castro
Denise serves as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Westbrook, a dynamic studio established by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. With a deep understanding of financial strategy, operational transformation, and governance, Denise has a robust background in the entertainment sector. Before her role at Westbrook, she was the Brand CFO for BET Media Group under Paramount Global, where she successfully drove the portfolio's growth to an impressive $1.5 billion and negotiated landmark deals with iconic creators like Tyler Perry and Kenya Barris.
In addition to her executive roles, Denise is an active member of the advisory board of Frame by Frame Media House. She has previously served on the board of The Chapin School. Denise's academic credentials include an MBA from MIT Sloan, an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School, and a BA from the University of Pennsylvania, showcasing her dedication to excellence in both education and her professional endeavors.
Camilla Castro
Camilla brings over 20 years of extensive experience from the financial services and energy sectors to the SeriousFun board. A seasoned executive, she has held senior roles at prominent companies including Shell and AIG, where she led significant growth initiatives and transformational business strategies. Camilla's recent position as Global Head of Agility at bp underscored her talent for navigating large-scale organizational change across various continents, including the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Committed to social impact, Camilla is also on the board of Latin American Women's Aid, a charity based in London that supports women and children from ethnic minority backgrounds. Her educational background is equally impressive: she holds a BA in Economics from Tufts University and an MBA from London Business School, in addition to being fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish.
Looking Ahead
The SeriousFun Children's Network is composed of 30 different camps and programs worldwide, offering life-changing experiences to children grappling with serious illnesses, all while ensuring these services are provided at no charge to families. Having reached over 2 million children and families from more than 50 countries since its inception, the future looks bright with the new board members onboard. As Denise and Camilla step into their roles, their experience and passion for empowering youth promise to significantly enhance the network’s mission. Learn more about SeriousFun and its impactful initiatives by visiting
www.seriousfun.org.