WOMEN IN PHILANTHROPY - PAGE 8 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS SPOTLIGHT ANGELINA COE After 30 years in the nonprofit sector, I have learned that our greatest impact is not always measured by statistics or recognition. It is found in the quiet moments when someone chooses hope over fear, safety over violence, and begins to believe that a better future is possible. Those moments have been the greatest privilege of my career and continue to inspire me every day. For nearly 15 years, I have had the honor of serving as Executive Director of Shelter From The Storm, Inc. (SFTS). Together with our dedicated sta , Board of Directors, volunteers, and community partners, we provide more than emergency shelter. We o er advocacy, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, prevention education, and compassionate support that empowers survivors of domestic violence and their children to heal, rebuild, and thrive. Every survivor’s journey is unique, but each deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. I believe leadership is not defined by a title but by a commitment to serve others with integrity, build meaningful partnerships, and create opportunities for lasting change. Whether advocating for survivors, mentoring future leaders, or working alongside community partners, I strive to leave every person feeling seen, heard, and valued. My faith is the foundation of both my life and my work. It reminds me that service is a privilege, compassion requires action, and every life has immeasurable worth. Standing beside survivors during some of the most di¬cult moments of their lives and witnessing their resilience, courage, and healing continues to be the greatest honor of my profession. Together, we can break generational cycles of violence, restore hope, and build safer, stronger communities where every individual has the opportunity to live with dignity and without fear. Angelina Coe Executive Director Shelter From The Storm, Inc. 73550 Alessandro Drive, Suite 103 Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760) 834-1832 Direct (760) 674-0400 O¬ce Angelina@shelterfromthestorm.com www. shelterfromthestorm.com ANDREA HECHT Tools For Tomorrow Executive Director Making A Di erence The arts have the power to transform children’s lives. Our Creative Club blends visual art, music, creative writing, and theatre to support self-expression, social-emotional growth, and innovative thinking. Students build confidence as they create original works and explore diverse cultures, artists, and ideas. The TFT Theatre Troupe provides performing arts experiences, public speaking, collaboration, and creativity in a safe space. Our hands-on approach emphasizes process over perfection, helping children feel successful. By engaging with the arts, children develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning. TERRIE HEER Coachella Valley Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America President Making A Di erence Missing the camaraderie of my fellow veterans, I joined the Coachella Valley Chapter of the Military O¬cers Association of America (CVC-MOAA) in 2008 and became president in 2024. CVC-MOAA is a non-profit that advocates for veterans and their families and meets monthly. The Chapter has strong ties to two of the Valley’s high school Junior ROTC programs. We invest, nurture and mentor these young military leaders thru scholarships, involvement and inclusion. Since early 2000, our Chapter has given out over $170,000 in scholarships to Valley JROTC students. This last year, four - $3,000 scholarships were given to deserving cadets. My experience with these young, smart leaders of tomorrow has increased my joy of creating an even larger program. KRISTINA VANKIRK HOFFMAN Palm Springs Writers Guild Director of Development Making A Di erence As a member of the Palm Springs Writers Guild (PSWG) board since 2019, I am passionate about the Guild’s support of writers-helping-writers in the Coachella Valley via monthly educational programs on craft and publishing, Writers Forums at the Mizell Center, critique groups, Write Nights, screenings/readings at the PS Cultural Center and the PSWG Book Festival of local authors. PSWG awarded $7,000 last year to local college bound students, prizes to Indio High’s Poetry Slam and support for Pride on the Page. Writers of all levels and genres, including non-fiction, screenplays and poetry are welcome. LISA JIMENEZ Braille Institute Vice President, Programs and Services Making A Di erence For 34 years, I have had the privilege of contributing to the mission of Braille Institute, an organization dedicated to transforming the lives of people living with vision loss or blindness. Through free programs, rehabilitation services, and community partnerships, Braille Institute empowers individuals of all ages to live with greater independence, confidence, and connection. We recently launched a new initiative, Vision Support America, specifically to help the millions of older adults experiencing low vision. We are especially excited to open our new Rancho Mirage Center in fall 2026, creating greater opportunities to serve the Coachella Valley community. BRIANNA KELLY American Red Cross Regional Communications Manager Making A Di erence The American Red Cross Southern California Region, which proudly serves Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, San Diego and Imperial Counties, exists to provide compassionate care to those in need. As a Regional Communications Manager with the Southern California Region, Brianna Kelly promotes the vital work of the Red Cross in the community. She is passionate about sharing the Red Cross story across Southern California, encouraging the public to join the Red Cross in fulfilling its mission of preventing and alleviating human suering in the face of emergencies - down the street, across the country and around the world. TERRI KETOVER Do The Right Thing Greater Palm Springs President/CEO Making A Di erence What better way to make a dierence than to impact the youth of our community. I serve as President/CEO of DO THE RIGHT THING – GREATER PALM SPRINGS in conjunction with the Palm Springs Police Department and area schools. The program is dedicated to recognizing and rewarding school-age children for their positive behavior, attitudes, and accomplishments, and fostering relationships between young people and local law enforcement o¬cers. In addition, DTRT has provided scholarships totaling $195,000 to graduating high school seniors over the past 3 years. I also continue to serve as Co-Chair of the Western Wind Writing Contest for PSUSD 7 th graders, as well as serving on the board of the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center.
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