WOMEN IN PHILANTHROPY - PAGE 10 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS SPOTLIGHT SAVANA R. SAUBEL For Secretary-Treasurer Savana R. Saubel, leadership is rooted in family, culture, service, and a commitment to future generations. Inspired by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians’ longstanding tradition of philanthropy, which has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of local charities, Saubel developed an early passion for tribal governance and community service. First elected to the Tribal Council in 2011, she followed in the footsteps of her great-grandmother, Laverne Saubel, who served on the Tribe’s historic all-woman Tribal Council in the 1950s. That same year, Saubel had the privilege of serving alongside her great-uncle, the late Chairman Richard M. Milanovich, whose nearly three decades of leadership and mentorship shaped her understanding of tribal governance and public service. Encouraged by her father and grandfather, she began attending Tribal Council meetings and volunteering on tribal committees at a young age, building a lifelong commitment to serving her community. Deeply connected to her Cahuilla heritage, Saubel has participated in traditional bird singing and dancing since the age of four. She remains dedicated to preserving these traditions by sharing them with younger generations. A passionate advocate for Tribal youth, she served as Tribal Youth Liaison and on the Youth Group Committee, believing that investing in young people is essential to the Tribe’s future. Before serving in elected o¬ce, Saubel gained valuable experience on the Indian Planning Commission and the Agua Caliente Gaming Commission, strengthening her expertise in governance, economic development, and regulatory compliance. She holds degrees in Organizational Leadership and Federal Indian Law and was recognized as one of the 2025 Native American 40 Under 40, honoring her leadership, vision, and dedication to strengthening her Tribe for generations to come. Savana R. Saubel Secretary-Treasurer Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians 5401 Dinah Shore Drive Palm Springs, CA 92264 www.aguacaliente-nsn.gov LORENA MARROQUIN FIND Regional Food Bank Chief Community Impact Officer Making A Di erence Lorena Marroquin has dedicated more than 13 years to FIND Regional Food Bank, advancing through multiple leadership roles after joining the organization as a Community Health Worker in 2013. She has helped lead FIND’s growth from distributing approximately 10 million pounds of food annually to more than 22 million pounds, expanded its direct service network from three mobile pantry sites to more than 45 community distribution locations, and strengthened partnerships with over 100 nonprofit agencies. A proud College of the Desert alumna, Lorena remains committed to expanding access to nutritious food and strengthening communities across the Coachella Valley. SAVANNAH MLOT American Heart Association Executive Director Making A Di erence With more than 10 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Savannah Mlot has dedicated the last six years to serving the Orange County, Inland Empire, and Coachella Valley communities through philanthropy and community engagement. As Executive Director of the American Heart Association’s Orange County, Inland Empire, and Coachella Valley Chapter, she works alongside volunteers and donors to advance cardiovascular health, fund lifesaving research, and improve equitable access to care. Savannah is passionate about bringing people together to create lasting impact and further the Association’s mission of being a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. SUSIE MORALES Act for MS Managing Director Making A Di erence Helping people living with MS within my community is an incredibly rewarding experience. I find being of service and giving even the smallest acts of kindness can have a significant impact on the person you are helping. Our clients receive free programs each month and everyone we help contributes to making our community a better place. This positive ripple eect is undeniable, and I see it every day. When we come together to support one another, we create hope and a better place we live in. At ACT for MS we help “Clients Live Stronger Longer”. IVONNE MORENO Hanson House Foundation Executive Director Making A Di erence Born and raised in Coachella Valley, Ivonne is passionate about giving back to the community that helped shape her. Over the past four years as ED of Hanson House Foundation, she has led the organization through transformational growth, expanding support for families, caregivers, and patients facing medical crises. Under her leadership, Hanson House has grown from one sta member to a dedicated team of five, while working alongside more than 25 committed volunteers whose unwavering service has helped expand programs, strengthen community partnerships, increase access to aordable lodging, and enhance organizational sustainability. Guided by compassion, innovation, and collaboration, Ivonne remains committed to ensuring more families stay close to their loved ones always. SHARON MORRIS Voices for Children Managing Director, Riverside County Making A Di erence As the Managing Director for Riverside County at Voices for Children, Sharon has a direct impact on hundreds of local children in foster care in each year. Sharon supervises the recruiting, training, and support for more than 400 Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers, who develop trusting relationships with children in foster care and advocate for them in court, at school, and in their communities. A former CASA herself, Sharon knows just how critical these volunteers can be in helping children feel seen, supported, and empowered while in foster care. JEANNE OLIVER So Cal Mini Horse Sanctuary Founder & President Making A Di erence Jeanne Oliver is the Founder and President of So Cal Mini Horse Sanctuary, a GFAS-accredited nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and providing lifelong sanctuary for miniature horses in need. Inspired by a search for miniature horses for her special-needs son, Jeanne transformed a personal passion into one of Southern California’s respected miniature horse rescues. For more than a decade, she has led the organization through growth, education, community outreach, and two appearances in the Rose Parade. Jeanne continues to advocate for compassionate animal care while creating meaningful connections between people and rescued animals.
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