. WOMEN IN PHILANTHROPY - PAGE 12 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS SARAH WILLS Think Together Senior Director of Development Making A Dierence Creating pathways to quality education in the California is more than a job for me—it’s a personal mission. With over a decade in nonprofits, from afterschool programming to higher education, I know the power of innovation in preparing students for success. Partnering with the community is essential; together, we can open doors, provide meaningful opportunities, and truly change the odds for kids. I’m excited to continue building more connections here in the Coachella Valley and collaborating to make a lasting impact. CORTNEY WEIR The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens Senior Manager of Development Making A Dierence The Coachella Valley is an incredibly philanthropic and socially connected place. Living here for over 30 years has allowed me to be a catalyst for positive change for so many worthy causes and missions, as both a volunteer and sta person. At The Living Desert, I have found a way to champion my love for animals, conservation and advocacy as we educate our local population and worldwide guests about the role each of us can play in preserving precious ecosystems and communities. Making a dierence is something we can all do for the betterment of our neighbors, our valley and our planet. PAM WEEKLEY Pam Weekley & Associates Owner Making A Dierence Over the last 45 years, Pam Weekley has built a prosperous Accounting career . While her firm is very successful in all facets of accounting, she has chosen to use her financial expertise to uplift the missions of nonprofits. Whether preparing financial statements, ensuring IRS compliance, or developing sustainable budgets, Pam brings clarity and accountability to organizations that are too often under-resourced. Outside of the oce, Pam is a committed volunteer, serving on the board of Loving All Animals. Rather than seeing financial work as purely transactional, Pam views accounting as a form of service: a way to empower organizations to grow, fulfill their missions, and make a measurable dierence in their communities. JUDY WEXLER Coachella Valley Has Sole Founder Making A Dierence Coachella Valley Has Sole is making a dierence by providing quality shoes to people in need. We give new sneakers to Desert Hot Springs students for every day wear, but also to give them the opportunity to participate in sports. We also donate shoes to the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission to help families get back on their feet, and Well in the Desert to provide quality footwear for the homeless population. The joy of new shoes transforms their confidence and positive attitude. When we lead with positivity and generosity, the ripple eect of happiness is endless. LORI WEINER California Paws Rescue Founder / President Making A Dierence CPR is the largest bull terrier rescue in the country, located here in Palm Desert. With the amount of dogs always being house is around 50-55. We average 10-12 adoptions per month. We adopt all over the US and Canada. We pull dogs o the euthanasia list from everywhere in Southern California. Nutrition is important as well and I am a certified small animal nutritionist. We provide water therapy for injured animals we bring in as well. This is my passion in rescuing these lives. JUDY WILMOT Angel Light Academy Founder and President Making A Dierence After being chosen by Sandra O’Connor and John McCain as a future American leader, she was recognized as Arizona’s Woman of the Year for 2003. She worked with Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Arizona and Native American schools to serve 600,000 students in all areas of social services. She brought teams together to lower recidivism, drug and alcohol abuse, and teen pregnancy. In 1998 she developed Angel Light Academy and has taught over 6,000 children and adults life-changing problem-solving skills. Judy then started the Above and Beyond program which honors other leaders paying it forward. MELLISA NIELSEN SILVERMAN Raising the Desert’s Heartbeat How Benefit Auctioneer Mellisa Nielsen is transforming Palm Desert’s galas into nights of impact, inspiration, and unforgettable generosity. When the desert sun sets and Palm Desert’s most glamorous galas begin, there’s one voice that commands the room with equal parts charm and authority: Mellisa Nielsen Silverman. A nationally celebrated Benefit Auctioneer, Nielsen has turned the art of fundraising into a spectacle of generosity, laughter, and heart. With more than 15 years of experience and over $500 million raised, Nielsen has mastered the delicate balance between entertainment and impact. Her presence on stage is magnetic—she knows when to tease a bid higher with humor, when to pause for emotion, and when to ignite a friendly bidding war that transforms giving into a thrilling experience. Nielsen’s influence extends beyond the microphone. Through her company, Charity Angels she collaborates with nonprofits to design events that resonate with Palm Desert’s unique blend of high-profile residents, seasonal visitors, and community champions. Her strategies help organizations not only meet, but often exceed, their fundraising goals. What sets Nielsen apart is her deep belief in storytelling. “People give when they feel connected,” she often says, and her ability to weave a cause into every moment of an event ensures donors leave inspired. In Palm Desert, where philanthropy is as much a tradition as the desert’s star-studded skies, Mellisa Nielsen has become a trusted guide—helping charities turn generosity into life-changing results. With her gavel in hand, she reminds the community that giving isn’t just about money—it’s about legacy. Mellisa Nielsen Silverman President and CEO The Charity Angels (424) 293-8000 mellisa@thecharityangels.com www.mellisanielsen.com SPOTLIGHT
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