. WOMEN IN PHILANTHROPY - PAGE 10 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS HOLLY SMITH Community Association Institute Coachella Valley (CAI-CV) Executive Director Making A Dierence As Executive Director of CAI-CV, I am honored to serve a mission that aligns with my personal passion: helping communities become better places to live. I believe education is the key to stronger, more resilient neighborhoods, and I work every day to support the people who make that possible - managers, board members, and business partners. By fostering access to meaningful learning and collaboration, I hope to make a lasting dierence. I may not have all the answers, but I’m committed to listening, growing, and leading with purpose to create positive change. CARLOTTA RINKE 29-PSP Chief Grant Officer Making A Dierence Throughout my healthcare career, I have worked toward serving the needs of the community and proud to continue doing so after moving to Palm Springs. Tapping into leadership, I’m honored to oer my talents as the Chief Grant Ocer on the 29-PSP Board to provide rides for activity-military for unreimbursed travel. As a Palm Springs Human Rights Commissioner I work toward developing new programs facilitating dialogue among stakeholders. The Palm Springs Writers Guild supports area writers, where I am Treasurer and a board member. I’m also the Medical Editor for Desert Heath News maintaining my health connection. IRENE N. RODRIGUEZ Cabot’s Pueblo Museum Executive Director Making A Dierence We share with our visitors our founder’s, Cabot Yerxa, adventures and his love of the desert. The museum reflects Cabot’s artistic and creative spirit as one explores each room in the pueblo. Our second grade school program is an opportunity for each student to be curious about local history and create art work in the creative environment. A special thank you to our members, donors, and visitors-they make it possible for the museum to preserve and promote Cabot Yerxa’s legacy. REBECCA RUFFING Friends of the Children Operations Director Making A Dierence In my role at Friends of the Children Coachella Valley, I am committed to making a dierence for local youth who are facing the greatest obstacles. Our paid, professional mentors walk alongside children and their families for 12+ years, providing support, resources, and advocacy. I am privileged to witness the strength of our community and the incredible potential of each child in our program as we work to break cycles, eliminate barriers, and create a brighter future for generations to come. MELISSA RUSSO The Coeta and Donald Barker Foundation Trustee Making A Dierence For nearly 50 years, The Coeta and Donald Barker Foundation has supported nonprofits in four west coast regions, with Coachella Valley the largest recipient of our giving in the areas of education, culture, healthcare, and social services/civic causes. I deeply appreciate the power nonprofits wield to profoundly change lives when they have the resources to successfully advance their mission. So, in my “freshman” year as a Barker Foundation trustee, I enthusiastically look forward to carrying on the generous legacy of Coeta and Donald to support the critical community service nonprofits provide to our desert community. SAVANA R. SAUBEL Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Secretary-Treasurer Making A Dierence Secretary-Treasurer Savana R. Saubel took an early interest in the matters of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, and its generous dedication to philanthropic work providing hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of local charities. She was first elected to the Tribal Council in 2011, as Member, following in the footsteps of her great grandmother, Laverne Saubel, who served on the all-woman Tribal Council in the 1950s. Ms. Saubel also works closely with the young people of the Tribe. She served as Tribal Youth Liaison and on the Youth Group committee, and continues to advocate for the youth as she believes they are the Tribe’s future leaders. MELLISA NIELSEN SILVERMAN The Charity Angels President and CEO Making A Dierence Charity Angels is dedicated to enhancing the money and awareness for charities throughout the Coachella Valley with innovative fundraising and live auction strategies. We provide passionate Cause Ambassadors and Benefit Auctioneers to help inspire audiences, promote awareness and increase donations for all our charity partners. This season we look forward to partnering with The Joslyn Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert, Bighorn Cares, and our most recent charity partner Alzheimers Coachella Valley. I love being a part of the Coachella Valley community and Charity Angels is honored to be part of making a dierence in our community. PAULA SIMONDS Family YMCA of the Desert CEO Making A Dierence Paula Simonds boasts over 3 decades in philanthropy, driven by a deep commitment to give back. As CEO of Family YMCA of the Desert since 2019 and formerly Executive Director of the Desert Cancer Foundation, Paula exemplifies wholehearted service and visionary leadership. She excels in forging impactful partnerships that enhance services and outreach, particularly for children, animals, and vulnerable groups, significantly advancing community needs. A passionate advocate, Paula ensures a brighter path for those unable to advocate for themselves. She stands as a quintessential nonprofit leader dedicated to improving lives and fostering collaboration for lasting impact.
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