. WOMEN IN PHILANTHROPY - PAGE 1 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS AMANDA GALINDO Amanda Galindo serves as the Executive Director of the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission (CVRM), where her leadership reflects a deep commitment to compassion, community, and transformation. With over 17 years of experience in nonprofit service and outreach, Amanda’s mission has always been clear: to meet people where they are, oer dignity, and create pathways to healing and hope. Her journey with CVRM began in direct service and outreach, where she witnessed firsthand the resilience of individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and trauma. Today, as Executive Director, Amanda continues to lead with heart and vision ensuring that CVRM remains a place where lives are not only restored but empowered. A strong advocate for women’s programs, Amanda has been instrumental in expanding CVRM’s services for women and children, providing safe shelter, long-term recovery opportunities, and life-skills training. She believes that when you invest in women, you invest in the future of families and communities. Amanda is passionate about collaboration, often working with civic leaders, faith-based groups, and philanthropic partners to strengthen the mission’s impact valley-wide. Her leadership style is rooted in faith, guided by purpose, and driven by the belief that every life has value. “It’s not about changing people it’s about loving them through their transformation. My hope is that everyone who walks through our doors sees the love of Christ in action.” She resides in the Coachella Valley with her family and is proud to serve a community she deeply loves. Amanda Galindo, Executive Director Coachella Valley Rescue Mission 47-470 Van Buren Street Indio, CA 92201 (760) 347-3512 agalindo@cvrm.org www.cvrm.org SPOTLIGHT BROOKE BEARE BIGHORN Golf Club Director of Marketing Making A Dierence Every person is gifted with the opportunity to make a dierence through education and civic engagement. Attend a public outreach session or a free documentary, use the public parks, read agendas and newsletters, fill out a survey, divert your food waste, or volunteer. (Or all of those things!) When you invest in your community, you’ll be amazed at the dierence you will make in yourself, those around you, and where you live. Brooke is a past President and current Vice Chair of Desert Arc. LOIS BECKMAN American Red Cross Executive Director Making A Dierence Lois Beckman is the Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Riverside County. She began her Red Cross career as the Riverside County chapter’s Development Ocer and became the Executive Director in 2012. Lois is passionate about making a dierence in Riverside County and beyond by delivering the Red Cross mission of preventing and alleviating human suering in the face of emergencies. Lois is proud to lead local Red Cross eorts and make a positive impact for countless Riverside County residents each year. PAM BIERI Pam Bieri Marketing & Media Relations Owner Making A Dierence Certified in Nonprofit Management and Grant Writing since 2018, Pamela has had the privilege of providing grant writing services for several of the Coachella Valley’s most interesting and diverse nonprofits. Among her clients are wonderful organizations that oer opportunities for kids to build character through golf; another that provides after-school and summer programs for Palm Springs youth; and one that has long-supplied adaptive mobility equipment, social inclusion for kids with disabilities, and many other family resources. Another client has brought world-class music to the Coachella Valley for nearly 70 years. It is an honor to be part of such incredible work. LINDI BIGGI Shadow Mountain Golf Club Owner Making A Dierence At 84, I can say I wouldn’t change much. Life has taught me that we don’t truly own anything—we’re tenants here, and our rent is how we leave the world for others. I’ve worn many hats: owning escrow companies, a bird store, a gift shop, and a food business. Founding Loving All Animals has been a heartfelt journey. Reviving Shadow Mountain Golf Course into a thriving community space has been a proud chapter. But above all, my love for animals is what I truly own—and gladly share—hoping others are inspired to help create a better world for them too. ROXANNA BREITIGAN The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens Chief Operating Officer Making A Dierence As COO, I lead my teams by striving each day to make a positive dierence for the animals, plants, and team members at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. I find great value in staying curious—seeking answers and solutions to the challenges we face in saving species. Being collaborative, clear, and kind helps us go even farther together. I encourage our team to create a “best day ever” experience for each guest, inspiring them to connect with nature and also make a positive dierence for the deserts of the world. CYNTHIA H. BREUNIG Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council President & CEO Making A Dierence As President and CEO of Girl Scouts San Gorgonio Council, Cynthia can trace her charitable roots to her own childhood Girl Scouts experiences. The organization’s service work with under-resourced communities opened the doors to a future serving vulnerable citizens. Under Cynthia’s leadership, GSSGC has created opportunities for girls from diverse and underserved communities. She also takes pride in GSSGC’s role as stewards of Skyland Ranch in the San Jacinto mountains. Before joining GSSGC, Cynthia served as President-CEO of Inner-City Arts in Los Angeles’ Skid Row and helped spearhead the opening of the Autry National Center.
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