WOMEN IN PHILANTHROPY - PAGE 13 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS SPOTLIGHT CAROL TEITELBAUM Creative Change Conferences Co-Founder Making A Di erence For more than two decades, through my nonprofit, Creative Change Conferences, I have dedicated my work to educating, advocating, and building healing communities for trauma survivors. One of my proudest initiatives is It Happens to Boys, an annual conference raising awareness and improving care for male survivors of childhood sexual abuse. I also facilitate a free weekly Zoom support group where men connect and continue healing. The conference unites experts and survivors to share trauma-informed education, practical resources, and research, strengthening professional care while oering hope, compassion, and lasting community healing. HOLLY SMITH Community Association Institute Coachella Valley (CAI-CV) Executive Director Making A Di erence As Executive Director of CAI-CV, I have the privilege of serving a community built on connection, education, and service. My work is rooted in helping homeowners associations, managers, board members, and business partners strengthen the neighborhoods we all call home. Through collaboration, advocacy, and meaningful programs, we create opportunities for people to learn, lead, and make a dierence. Philanthropy reminds us that impact begins when people care enough to show up for one another. I am proud to serve with purpose, heart, and a commitment to building stronger communities. LISA VOSSLER SMITH Modernism Week CEO Making A Di erence One of the most rewarding aspects of my work with Modernism Week is seeing the direct impact our success has on local students. Thanks to proceeds from ticket sales, we have awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships, helping young people pursue higher education, career training, and opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. Knowing that our celebration of architecture, design, and culture also invests in the future of our community is deeply fulfilling. Each scholarship represents potential realized, dreams encouraged and a lasting legacy that extends far beyond our festivals and events. A.J. STEINBERG Queen Bee Fundraising Principal Making A Di erence I believe that meaningful change begins with showing up—heart first. Whether I’m helping nonprofits design impactful events, secure sponsorships, or deepen community connections, I know that my work helps fuel missions that matter. I make a dierence by empowering organizations to tell their stories in ways that inspire action, generosity, and transformation. Every child on a field trip, every dollar raised, every life uplifted reminds me why I do what I do. Philanthropy isn’t just my profession—it’s my purpose. MARGIE TAFT Taft & Associates President Making A Di erence Margie owns a commercial real estate brokerage and her firm (Taft and Associates) is responsible for bringing over 1000 businesses to the Coachella Valley. She was instrumental in relocating the first Burlington Coat Factory, Harbor Freight to the Coachella Valley. She is a former Board Member and President of the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce, She is currently the President and founder of the Bombay Polo and Yacht Club, a networking club for businesses. Margie was the FAN FAVORITE of the 2013 DAP DANCING WITH OUR DESERT STARS! KENDRA TANKERSLEY Operation SafeHouse/ SafeHouse of the Desert Executive Director Making A Di erence For 21 years, I have had the privilege of working with children, youth, and families whose voices are too often unheard and whose experiences go unseen. This work has taught me the importance of compassion, advocacy, and standing up for those who need support. At Operation SafeHouse, we are making a dierence every day by ensuring every child and family is not only seen but supported. Through hope, healing, and advocacy, we empower families to rebuild their lives. Together, we can make a lasting dierence, one child, one family, and one life at a time. MICHELLE PETERS Michelle Peters was appointed President/ CEO of Desert Arc in April 2025, bringing more than 30 years of leadership and advocacy on behalf of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Throughout her career, she has been driven by the belief that meaningful change happens when people choose to show up, advocate for others, and invest in creating brighter futures for everyone. For more than 67 years, Desert Arc has been shaping opportunities, empowering independence, and transforming lives every day for people with disabilities. As Michelle says, “When people are given the opportunity to contribute in meaningful ways, they build confidence, achieve greater independence, and help create stronger, more inclusive communities.” That philosophy is reflected in Desert Arc’s Pathways To Employment Program, which connects individuals with disabilities to meaningful careers while helping local employers build stronger, more inclusive workplaces. Innovative companies across a wide range of industries have demonstrated that employing people with disabilities strengthens workplace culture, improves employee engagement and retention, broadens perspectives, and creates a lasting competitive advantage. Inclusive hiring is truly a win-win – –for individuals with disabilities,employers,and the entire community. Michelle’s deep commitment, strategic leadership, and unwavering passion for enhancing the quality of life and expanding opportunities for people with disabilities have positioned Desert Arc as a leading advocate for inclusion throughout the Coachella Valley. Her vision for building partnerships, strengthening communities, and creating pathways to independence continues to inspire meaningful change for the individuals Desert Arc serves, their families, local businesses, and the community as a whole. Michelle Peters President/CEO Desert Arc 73255 Country Club Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760) 346-1611 mpeters@desertarc.org www.desertarc.org
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjA1MjUy