WOMEN IN PHILANTHROPY - PAGE 9 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS SPOTLIGHT SAMANTHA TWEDDELL Throughout her professional career, Samantha has been dedicated to the nonprofit sector, driven by a passion for helping others and strengthening communities. As Director of Donor Development at United Cerebral Palsy of the Inland Empire, she plays a vital role in connecting donors, community partners, and advocates with the organization’s mission of empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live a life without limits. With a career rooted in service, Samantha has focused on building meaningful relationships that inspire generosity and create lasting community impact. She believes philanthropy is about more than fundraising, it is about creating opportunities, fostering inclusion, and helping individuals and families access the resources they need to thrive. At United Cerebral Palsy of the Inland Empire, she is inspired daily by the resilience and accomplishments of the individuals the organization serves. Through donor engagement and community outreach, she helps advance programs and services that promote independence, dignity, and opportunity for people with developmental disabilities. Known for her collaborative leadership style and commitment to service, Samantha values the partnerships that make transformative work possible. She recognizes that every donor, volunteer, and advocate contributes to building a stronger, more inclusive community. As a participant in Desert Charities News’ 9th Annual Women in Philanthropy issue, Samantha is honored to be recognized alongside other women whose leadership and dedication are making a meaningful di erence throughout the Coachella Valley and Inland Empire. Her work continues to reflect a lifelong commitment to philanthropy, community engagement, and creating opportunities for others to live without limits. Samantha Tweddell Director of Donor Development United Cerebral Palsy of the Inland Empire 42600 Cook St #201 Palm Desert, CA 92211 (760) 321-8184 Ext 13 Direct (760) 321-8284 Fax stweddell@ucpie.org www.ucpie.org MARGARET KEUNG Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs CEO and Executive Director Making A Di erence Margaret Keung has served as CEO/Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs since 2018. With more than 30 years of executive leadership experience in the corporate and banking sectors, she brings strategic vision, operational excellence, and a commitment to sustainable community impact. Born in Hong Kong, she immigrated to the United States as a child without speaking English and overcame poverty and bullying, experiences that shaped her belief in the power of mentorship. Under her leadership, the Club has expanded programs and services that impact thousands of youth annually, helping young people build confidence, resilience, and pathways to success. JENNA LECOMTE-HINELY HARC, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Making A Di erence Dr. Jenna LeComte-Hinely is the CEO of HARC, Inc. (Health Assessment and Research for Communities). HARC is a nonprofit that uses data to help improve health, wellness, and quality of life in our community. Now celebrating 20 years of operation, HARC provides research, evaluation, and other data-related services that uplift all of the nonprofits in the region. Dr. LeComte-Hinely started at HARC as the Director of Research before becoming CEO in 2015. Aside from her leadership at HARC, Dr. LeComte-Hinely is also adjunct faculty at the University of Riverside School of Medicine. KELLY LEVY BIGHORN Golf Club Charities Director of Charities Making A Di erence Making a dierence is more than a mission— it’s a privilege. Every day, I witness the extraordinary generosity of the BIGHORN Golf Club community and its life-changing impact across the Coachella Valley. After many years as an educator, I found a new calling in philanthropy, where compassion creates hope and transforms lives. Receiving the 2026 Outstanding Fundraising Professional award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals is an honor I proudly share with every BIGHORN Member, volunteer, donor, nonprofit partner, board member, my family, and everyone whose kindness continues to strengthen our community together. DEANN LUBELL Amy’s Purpose President Making A Di erence Serving the local nonprofit sector (Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley) as a publicist and marketing specialist has been extremely rewarding, especially representing organizations whose inspiring missions improve the lives of others in our desert. Saving the lives of pets and enhancing the lives of humans through the nonprofit Amy’s Purpose, Inc. (www.wmyspurpose.net), which oers pet safety programs and veterinary assistant scholarships. My historical novel, The Last Moon, has won numerous national and international awards, most notably the 2016 Amsterdam Book Festival and the 2025 International Impact Book Awards. EILEEN LYNCH Parkinson’s Resource Organization Executive Director Making A Di erence Eileen Lynch is “working to ensure no one is isolated because of Parkinson’s” with the dedicated team at Parkinson’s Resource Organization (PRO). Eileen is honored to lead this legacy nonprofit which has served the Coachella Valley for 35 years, providing emotional support and practical resources to people with Parkinson’s and caregivers, friends, and family. She strongly believes in connecting our community in service to better health outcomes and a better quality of life. To learn more about PRO’s support groups, resource directory, and other programs, visit PRO’s website at www.parkinsonsresource.org. HEIDI MALDOON Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert Executive Director Making A Di erence Heidi Maldoon is an accomplished nonprofit leader who serves as Executive Director of Variety Children’s Charity. During her tenure, Variety has expanded its impact, diversified revenue streams, strengthened organizational sustainability, and increased its financial capacity fourfold. Under her leadership, the organization achieved several strategic milestones, including earning designation as a Certified Autism Center and broadening services for children and families throughout the Coachella Valley. Heidi has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including the Eisenhower Health Dolores Hope Auxiliary, and remains active with AFP Desert Communities. In 2025, she was honored with AFP’s Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award.
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