WOMEN IN PHILANTHROPY - PAGE 5 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS KATHI FARBER American Association of University Women Coachella Valley Membership VP Making A Di erence As Past President of the Coachella Valley branch of AAUW, I was honored to lead an organization dedicated to advancing equity for women and girls. Now, as Membership Vice President, I continue to serve this vibrant community. We proudly celebrate more than 75 years of service in the Coachella Valley. Our board is committed to four key initiatives: Tech Trek, a weeklong, immersive STEM summer camp held on a university campus for 7th-grade girls; Tech Trek Alumnae, which provides ongoing mentorship and support; NCCWSL, a national leadership conference for college women; and community engagement, which encourages members to make a positive impact through service, advocacy, and fellowship. SPOTLIGHT SUSAN UNGER For more than 25 years, Susan Unger has supported DAP Health as a volunteer, consultant, fundraiser, donor, and member of its Board of Directors. Her commitment began during the HIV/AIDS crisis, when she sought to help ensure compassionate care for people living with HIV and contribute to ending the epidemic. Today, she is equally inspired by DAP Health’s evolution into a Federally Qualified Health Center providing comprehensive, high-quality care to 80,000 people across the region, including women, and children. Women’s health is especially meaningful to Unger. She believes it must extend beyond reproductive care to address the full range of health needs women experience throughout every stage of life — an approach reflected in DAP Health’s model of care. Unger’s leadership has helped create lasting impact. In 2006, during her first term on DAP Health’s Board, she developed 100 Women, an initiative that introduced many local women to the organization as supporters and donors and ultimately raised more than $2 million. In 2014, as a consultant, she designed and led Get Tested Coachella Valley, a three-year, $5 million regional initiative powered by 150 community partners to make HIV testing and linkage to care standard medical practice. For Unger, philanthropy is both a personal obligation and a form of advocacy. Her experiences in 1980s San Francisco, where she lost friends to AIDS and saw her brother diagnosed with HIV, shaped a lifelong commitment to act. She reminds women that meaningful change does not require wealth — just the willingness to take a first step. Susan Unger Board of Directors DAP Health susan@masterstrategy.com www.daphealth.org TRACY FITZSIMMONS Olive Crest Executive Director Making A Di erence As Executive Director of Olive Crest in Coachella Valley, Tracy Fitzsimmons is committed to ensuring every child thrives in a safe, stable, and loving home. Under her leadership, Olive Crest has expanded critical services again this year throughout Coachella Valley providing counseling services in families’ homes, a growing Child and Family Resource Center, prevention support through host family support, and the PROMiSE Initiative serving youth impacted by tra¬cking and sexual exploitation. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call Olive Crest’s 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-550-CHILD (2445) or visit olivecrest.org to donate. SUSAN FRANCIS Coachella Valley History Museum Executive Committee Making A Di erence In my retirement I’m taking the opportunities to continue my service to valley non-profits, oering my ‘lessons learned’ through years of leadership along with my knowledge of this valley and its history. I continue to serve on the Executive Committee of Coachella Valley History Museum. I remain passionate and dedicated to animal welfare and animal rescue, supporting Amy’s Purpose, Saving the Lives of Pets. My other passion is for the arts. I hope to continue making a dierence in our desert communities in the areas of animal safety, history preservation and the performing arts. EVE FROMBERG EDELSTEIN Fromberg Edelstein Fromberg City of Rancho Mirage City Council member Making A Di erence In my current role as Council member for the City of rancho mirage, I truly understand the importance of nonprofit organizations as community partners that fill in the gaps for services needed by our citizens. Nonprofits support people in so many ways dealing with food scarcity, education, healthcare, mental health, and community connections and social interaction for all people in the Coachella Valley. I am proud to work with so many nonprofits in becoming fiscally sound and e¬cient in their outreach and board governance. AMANDA GALINDO Coachella Valley Rescue Mission Executive Director Making A Di erence “Leading with faith, compassion, and purpose, Amanda Galindo is committed to creating pathways of hope for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. As Executive Director of Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, she believes true change happens when people are seen, valued, and given the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Through collaboration, innovative programs, and community partnerships, Amanda continues to expand resources that restore dignity and transform lives. Her greatest passion is serving others and empowering her team to make lasting dierence throughout the Coachella Valley.” TERRY GARAY The Coeta and Donald Barker Foundation Director of Community Relations Making A Di erence The Barker Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations. My job focuses on helping people navigate through our grants process. I am the primary contact for our foundation and am available at grants@thebarkerfoundation.net. I want everyone who comes to us seeking funding to feel valued and heard. That’s because I know what it is to be on the receiving end. Growing up, I benefited from the philanthropy of individuals and organizations. I was able to realize dreams thanks to people who understand the power of giving. For me, today, this work is like going full circle!
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjA1MjUy