. WOMEN IN PHILANTHROPY - PAGE 2 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS ANGELINA COE For me, making a dierence means meeting people in their most vulnerable moments and walking with them toward healing, hope, and restoration. This calling has guided my work for nearly three decades, across 29 years in the nonprofit sector, 25 years in ministry, and almost 13 years as Executive Director of Shelter From The Storm, Inc. (SFTS). Throughout my career, I have been honored to serve those silenced by domestic violence, sexual assault, and homelessness, helping survivors find their voice and reclaim their strength. At SFTS, we oer not just shelter, but a comprehensive path to recovery: safety, counseling, case management, advocacy, and empowerment. Every program is rooted in dignity and compassion. I have earned a Nonprofit Management Certificate from the NPO Centric, RAP Foundation URC Extension, Class of 2025, and a Leadership Certificate from the O£ce on Violence Against Women (OVW), Class of 2024, which reflect my deep commitment to impactful, informed service. But more than credentials, it is my faith that fuels this journey. With God first, I continue this good work, believing that when we enter someone’s crisis with empathy, we can help change the course of their lifetime. There is no greater honor than standing beside those who have endured the unthinkable, especially when the harm has come at the hands of a partner who once vowed to love and protect them. I am committed to being a voice for the voiceless, a light in the darkness, and a champion for those who are too often overlooked. Together, we can break generational cycles and help survivors become overcomers. Angelina Coe Executive Director Shelter From The Storm, Inc. 73550 Alessandro Drive, Suite 103 Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760) 834-1832 Direct (760) 674-0400 O£ce Angelina@shelterfromthestorm.com www. shelterfromthestorm.com SPOTLIGHT CINDY BURRESON Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert CEO Making A Dierence Cindy became the Museum CEO during the pandemic when it had been published in the paper that CDMoD was “closing indefinitely”. Knowing what a treasure the Museum had been to her own family and to generations of families in the Desert, Cindy worked with her Board of Directors, Donors and Community to reopen the Museum a little over a year ago as a Certified Autism Center, with a brand-new Main Gallery and expanded programming. More than 85,000 guests visit the Museum each year to share in the joy of learning and family interaction. JOAN BUSICK Girlfriend Factor Founder & CEO Making A Dierence The Girlfriend Factor was launched just under 20 years ago, and I could not be more proud of the impact we have made on our local community. Built upon the premise that education is the key to self-suciency, and that women can accomplish anything they set their minds to when they have the support of their girlfriends, GFF provides renewable educational grants and emotional support to local adult women so they may improve their lives and the lives of their families. For GFF, it’s all about local funds for local women. PATRICIA CARRILLO Alianza Coachella Valley Director of Development & External Relations Making A Dierence Patricia was born and raised in the Coachella Valley. Patricia has 13+ years of experience in local and global community service/ non-profit work. She is an avid public speaker, philanthropist, restorative justice practitioner and mental health advocate. She strives to make a sustainable and positive impact in her community and feels honored to be with Alianza and a board member for Angel View and AFP CA, Desert Communities Chapter. Through her work Patricia has been able to leverage and bring in millions of dollars to support policy change, budget advocacy and direct service eorts. ANDREA CARTER Andrea Carter & Associates President/CEO Making A Dierence Blending charity involvement while providing marketing services to her clients has brought an extraordinary balance to Andrea Carter’s life. As PR director and board member for the Patrick Warburton Celebrity Golf Tournament, Andrea has helped raise more than $38 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She is a past president for both Palm Springs Women in Film & Television and Shelter From the Storm’s auxiliary. She’s served on the boards of Desert Arc and Women Leaders Forum, and is currently a board member for Girlfriend Factor. Her nonprofit clients include Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs and Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert. NORMA CASTANEDA HR Advantage, LLC Founder Making A Dierence Norma has long prioritized expanding educational and professional opportunities in the community. In her early career at Bighorn, she launched the Bighorn Golf Club Charities Scholarship Program and supported fundraising eorts for College of the Desert’s Veterans Resource Center. A dedicated COD Foundation Board member, she is passionate about empowering others to succeed. As COO of Fidelis Health Group and Founder of HR Advantage, Norma also champions healthcare access. She serves on the Eisenhower Foundation Board of Governors and Eisenhower Health Foundation’s Latinos in Philanthropy program. CLAUDIA CASTORENA Galilee Center CFO/Cofounder Making A Dierence Since 2010, the Galilee Center has significantly improved the lives of hundreds of low-income residents in East Coachella Valley by providing essential services. We have supported many families in their eorts to improve their quality of life. Our new 6,000 sq. ft. shelter expansion, scheduled for completion in November, will double our capacity for overnight stays, allowing us to serve even more individuals in need. Among our many services, we oer free weekly food baskets, senior support services, rent assistance, and more. Last year alone, we distributed 11,455 food baskets to families facing food insecurity and provided diapers and formula to 4,339 families. I am honored to contribute to our community through the vital work at the Galilee Center.
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