WOMEN IN PHILANTHROPY - PAGE 7 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS SPOTLIGHT MARSHA UUTELA Marsha M. Uutela is dedicated to creating opportunities that strengthen communities through education, philanthropy, and meaningful partnerships. As Director of Tribal Relations & Resource Development at California Indian Nations College—the only accredited Tribal College in California—she leads e orts to build relationships with Tribal Nations, foundations, corporations, and community organizations that expand educational opportunities for Native & Indigenous students. An enrolled member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin with Ojibwe ancestry, Marsha is passionate about honoring Indigenous knowledge while advancing innovative approaches to higher education and community engagement. Throughout her career, she has worked in Tribal government, nonprofit leadership, higher education, and behavioral health, bringing a collaborative leadership style focused on service and lasting impact. Marsha believes philanthropy is about more than financial support—it is about investing in people, building trust, and creating pathways for future generations to thrive. She is committed to connecting donors, partners, and communities with opportunities that transform lives through education. She earned her Master of Business Administration from St. Norbert College and her Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from National University. Beyond her professional role, Marsha enjoys mentoring emerging leaders, fostering cross-sector partnerships, and advocating for educational equity and Tribal sovereignty through collaboration and service. Marsha M. Uutela, M.B.A. Director of Tribal Relations & Resource Development California Indian Nations College 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive Suite 222 Palm Desert, CA 92211 (760) 933-9833 muutela@CINCollege.edu www.CINC.edu RITA C. GONZALES Green Room Theatre Company President / Board of Directors Making A Di erence I have always wanted to make a dierence in my community. I grew up in a very diverse community. In Los Angeles I volunteered in the LGBTQ+ Latin community. I am still involved with Bienestar Human Services. We serve those that have nowhere to go for certain services. Since being in the Coachella Valley, I have been fortunate to be a part of Green Room Theatre Company. Bringing the arts to various parts of the Valley has always been a dream of mine and now I can check that o my bucket list. ALICIA GRANTHAM Martha’s Village & Kitchen Chief Development Officer Making A Di erence As Chief Development O¬cer for Martha’s Village & Kitchen, I’m dedicated to strengthening community partnerships and inspiring philanthropy that creates lasting change. Through donor engagement, fundraising initiatives, and strategic collaboration, we’re ensuring individuals and families experiencing homelessness have access to housing, food, healthcare, and other supportive services. I believe that every act of generosity has the power to transform lives and strengthen the Coachella Valley. My work here focuses on connecting compassionate supporters with meaningful opportunities to make a lasting impact in the community. ANN GREER Act for MS President Making A Di erence Ann Greer joined the Board of ACT for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2005, after her mother, Gloria Greer, and sister, Norma Greer founded the local desert charity that provides free programs for desert residents living with MS. She helps with public relations, marketing and grants for both ACT for MS and the Palm Springs Air Museum. She is an advocate for giving back to the community, the importance of the Humanities and Arts education, critical thinking, and shopping local! Support our local vendors! DALANEY GREGORY Cathedral City Senior Center Development & Engagement Manager Making A Di erence I believe in working hard, treating people fairly, and doing whatever needs to be done to help a community thrive. From my time at Martha’s Village to the past several years at Cathedral City Senior Center, I have found real purpose in serving others. I am proud to have helped support the Center’s extraordinary growth into a Mid-Valley Center for Active Living, expanding programs, participation, and outreach across our community. Through development, events, and relationships, I have learned how generosity becomes impact, and I am excited to keep growing as a development leader. ANNE GREY Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire President & CEO Making A Di erence Longtime Rancho Mirage resident, Anne Grey is making a powerful dierence as CEO of Make-A-Wish Orange County & Inland Empire by championing hope, compassion, and measurable impact. She aligns strategy, fundraising, and community partnerships to grant life-changing wishes for children facing critical illnesses. Through the Trailblaze Challenge in Joshua Tree, she inspires supporters to push their limits—turning miles hiked into wishes granted. Anne leads with transparency, purpose, ensuring every dollar creates meaningful experiences that uplift families and strengthen our community. Her leadership advances the access to life-changing wishes that bring hope, strength, and joy when children need it most. CHRISTINE GRIMES Joshua Tree National Park Association Director of Development & Programs Making A Di erence Christine Grimes serves as the Director of Development & Programs for the Joshua Tree National Park Association (JTNPA), the nonprofit partner of Joshua Tree National Park. She leads fundraising, donor engagement, community partnerships, and educational programming that help support critical park priorities. Through grants, philanthropy, and strategic collaborations, Christine works to secure funding for wildlife research, conservation projects, visitor experiences, youth education, and park infrastructure. Passionate about connecting people to public lands, she is dedicated to ensuring Joshua Tree National Park remains protected, accessible, and inspiring for generations to come.
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