. WOMEN IN PHILANTHROPY - PAGE 3 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS SPOTLIGHT ANGELINA COE Shelter From the Storm Executive Director Making A Dierence With 29 years in the nonprofit sector, nearly 13 years at Shelter From The Storm, Inc. and 25 years in ministry, I’ve dedicated my life to help the voiceless find their voice and survivors become overcomers. As Executive Director of SFTS since 2012, I have witnessed the profound transformation that occurs when we believe in and support those impacted by domestic violence. Our programs provide not only safe shelter, but the tools, compassion, and advocacy survivors need to reclaim their lives. Together, we are breaking cycles and building a future rooted in hope and resilience. ALISON ELSNER Alison Elsner just marked her 10-year anniversary as CEO of the Medical Society. She works with 3,300 Inland Empire physician members to improve access to care and patient equity. The medical society is a powerful catalyst to prioritize solutions to support physician practices (MDs and DOs) through Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement parity, reform of the onerous prior authorization process and increasing the number of physicians in practice through graduate medical education programs for medical students and resident physicians. SBCMS is the regional arm of the mega-powerful California Medical Association (CMA), and its mission is simple: promote the science and art of medicine, protection of public health, the betterment of the medical profession and achievement of health equity. SBCMS and CMA, with over 50,000 physician members, provide comprehensive practice tools, services and support including legislative, legal, regulatory, economic and social advocacy. Together these organizations deliver advocacy outreach and solutions for physicians, including every size of practice and specialty. After graduating with a B.A. in political science from USC, Alison worked for U.S. Senator Pete Wilson in Washington, D.C. and California Governor Pete Wilson in the Sacramento, prior to leading two non-profits and launching her own public relations firm. She currently lives in Palm Springs, California. Combining extensive political and legislative experience with financial management, public aairs and community relations backgrounds, Alison is honored to represent the advancement of policies that empower physicians to thrive in practice, especially during a period of increased physician shortages and the need to ensure equity and access in patient care. Alison Elsner Chief Executive O£cer (CEO) San Bernardino County Medical Society 1859 W. Redlands Blvd. Redlands, CA 92373 (760) 413-5053-cell/work aelsner@sbcms.org www.sbcms.org GINGER CLARK 4 ShayJ Foundation Co-Founder Making A Dierence The 4ShayJ Foundation, founded in 2015, was created in memory of my son, who tragically passed away while skateboarding without a helmet. This devastating loss highlighted the critical lack of education and awareness around helmet safety. We’ve made it our mission to ensure no other family experiences such a tragedy. Like many, we underestimated the importance of helmets, but now we know the life-saving dierence they make. Every hour, five kids in the U.S. suer permanent brain damage or death from not wearing a helmet, and it’s our goal to change this. CHRIS CLEMENS Clemens & Co. President Making A Dierence Chris Clemens is a 22-year marketing and public relations veteran. Many of her clients are in the nonprofit sector serving audiences in a variety of capacities from the arts, education, healthcare, and special needs. In addition, in 2021 she founded Coachella Valley Cat Club, a nonprofit 501c3, a cat rescue and rehoming organization. She provides comprehensive marketing services to help clients with branding, strategic planning, media relations, social media, event planning, community partnerships and sponsorships, and acts as an extension of her clients by attending local events and representing them. SOPHIA DEAN Living Free Animal Sanctuary Board President and Executive Director Making A Dierence As Executive Director and Board President of Living Free Animal Sanctuary, I lead with the belief that rescue is more than saving lives - it’s about restoring dignity, trust, and hope. Founded in 1980 by visionary advocate Emily Jo Beard, Living Free was built on the question, “Does this bless the animals?” a question I carry with me every day. From our no-kill adoptions to equine therapy, our sanctuary creates space for healing for those in need of a second chance. I’m proud to continue a legacy of women’s leadership in animal welfare. RENE DELL’ACQUA CHAPMAN Dell’Acqua Dental Studio Philanthropist Making A Dierence I was raised by philanthropic parents who taught me from a very young age that giving back to your community is important. When you make a dierence in someone’s life, you not only impact their life, you impact everyone influenced by them throughout their lifetime. For me there is nothing more rewarding than knowing that I have made a dierence in someones life. Our community oers so many opportunities to get involved. We have so many meaningful charities. It has been an honor to serve on several dierent boards over the years RACHEL DRUTEN Tools For Tomorrow Founder Making A Dierence I started Tools For Tomorrow in 1999. For 26 years, this free after-school program has nurtured over 22,000 valley children, ages 7 to 11, through Creative Writing, Art, Music, and Theatre. But it’s more than the arts— it’s about building character, kindness, and confidence. Our board operates with the discipline of a business, ensuring Tools For Tomorrow’s financial strength. At the heart of it all is our passionate Executive Director, Andrea Hecht, who inspires a dedicated team. Tools For Tomorrow teaching artists and volunteers give children a joyful, safe place to grow as creative, compassionate human beings.
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