. WOMEN IN PHILANTHROPY - PAGE 8 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS MICHELLE PETERS Michelle Peters joined Desert Arc in April 2025 as its new President/CEO, bringing over 30 years of experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She most recently served as the Chief Operating O£cer for Emmaus Homes in Missouri. Her impressive track record encompasses the execution of strategic initiatives yielding streamlined operations, enhanced team productivity and significant improvement in service delivery. Under her leadership, Michelle created innovative solutions to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. As COO, Michelle played a pivotal role in addressing complex community challenges and championing advocacy eorts for and with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Prior to her 10+ year tenure with Emmaus, Michelle held various leadership and case management positions within the Missouri Department of Mental Health. She has also served as the Treasurer for Gateway Coalition of Service Providers in the St. Louis Metro Area, Starling Missouri, a statewide trade association of community providers, and, as a board member of Family Advocacy and Community Training. Her deep commitment and vast experiences in the fulfillment of like-minded organizational missions to enhance the quality of life and create opportunities for people with disabilities make Michelle Peters an invaluable addition to Desert Arc! Michelle Peters President/CEO Desert Arc 73255 Country Club Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760) 346-1611 mpeters@desertarc.org www.desertarc.org SPOTLIGHT HEIDI MALDOON Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert Executive Director Making A Dierence Heidi Maldoon has led numerous nonprofits over the years, and feels especially grateful for her role as Executive Director of Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert. Under her leadership, Variety diversified its development strategy and quadrupled its financial capacity. Key strategic goals have been met, including expanding programs and securing Variety’s designation as a Certified Autism Center. She has served on multiple boards, including the North American Regional Council of Variety International, and is an active member of the AFP Desert Communities Chapter. This fall, Heidi will be receiving AFP’s 2025 Outstanding Fundraising Professional award. KELLY LEVY BIGHORN Golf Club Charities Director of Charities Making A Dierence BIGHORN Golf Club Charities is dedicated to making an impact throughout the Coachella Valley. It provides critical funding to help those aected by cancer, assists local nonprofit organizations by helping fund projects and equipment, as well as gifting educational scholarships. The support is possible due to the incredible membership. My experience with BIGHORN is nothing short of fulfilling- to be a part of this strong committed community of giving, results in a heartfelt feeling. I am grateful to witness the transformation of the valley due to kind acts and generous people. This is what “Making a Dierence” is all about! JOHANNA LIZARRAGA Think Together Director of District Partnership Making A Dierence As Director of District Partnerships, I’m honored to lead growth eorts across the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, working closely with districts to strengthen programs and create innovative solutions for students. I approach every challenge as an opportunity, leading my team with the belief that together we can achieve our goals. Previously, I served as Executive General Manager overseeing the San Bernardino County region, and I remain committed to ensuring every child— regardless of background—has the support and opportunities to reach their dreams.” DEANN LUBELL Amy’s Purpose President Making A Dierence Serving the local nonprofit sector (such as Read With Me Volunteers and Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley) as a publicist and marketing specialist has been rewarding, representing organizations whose inspiring missions improve the lives of others in our desert. Now, making a dierence by saving the lives of pets and enhancing the lives of humans through the nonprofit Amy’s Purpose (www.wmyspurpose.net), which oers pet safety programs and veterinary assistant scholarships. In addition, my historical novel, The Last Moon, has won numerous national and international awards, most notably the 2016 Amsterdam Book Festival and the 2025 International Impact Book Awards. EILEEN LYNCH Parkinson’s Resource Organization Executive Director Making A Dierence Eileen Lynch is “working to ensure no one is isolated because of Parkinson’s” with the dedicated team at Parkinson’s Resource Organization (PRO). Eileen is honored to lead this legacy nonprofit which has served the Coachella Valley for 34 years, providing emotional support and practical resources to people with Parkinson’s and caregivers, friends, and family. She strongly believes in connecting our community in service to better health outcomes and a better quality of life. To learn more about PRO’s support groups, resource directory, and other programs, visit PRO’s website at www.parkinsonsresource.org. CAROL MARCUSE California Desert Choral Vice President Making A Dierence It is my distinct pleasure to be able to help raise funding for the California Desert Chorale so we can continue to be one of the best singing ensembles in the Valley. Not only do we present wonderful concerts several times a year but also, we give scholarships to high school students and internships to college students so they can continue with their music and vocal studies.
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