Desert Charities - Women in Philanthropy - Oct-Nov-Dec 2023

Allison Krupp The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens Vice President of Marketing & Communications Making A Dierence Since I was a little girl, I dreamed of one day working for a zoo because I believe it is our sacred duty to protect the voiceless and the vulnerable. Life took me in a di’erent direction, and I went into 30 years of corporate marketing until I got a call from Allen Monroe, CEO of The Living Desert inviting me to join the team! I packed my life up and left Chicago on a road trip to the desert! I am thrilled to be here and to do great things for wildlife, the Zoo and the community I now call home. Lauri Kibby DAP Health Vice Chair, Private Investor Making A Dierence Having earned her MBA at UC Berkeley, Brook- lyn-born Lauri is an investor and entrepreneur based in Palm Springs, where she’s dedicated herself to the work of DAP Health. She has served on its board since 2018, and as vice chair since 2022. The nonprofit’s recent acquisition of Borrego Health — enabling it to serve more than 100,000 patients of all populations, genders, and ages at 25 clinics from the Salton Sea to San Diego — created the perfect setting for Lauri to help establish the Women of Impact committee focused on expanding DAP Health’s programs and services for women throughout the valley and beyond. Margaret Keung Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs CEO & Executive Director Making A Dierence At Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs, Margaret Keung inspires her team to continue to serve the youth in and around the City of Palm Springs by o’ering programs that instill strong character, leadership skills, academic success, and healthy living habits. Under Keung’s guidance, B&GCPS has created a sophisticated Cannabis Education and Prevention Program at the Club’s new Health & Wellness Center. Serving more than 1700 young people per year, the Club is entirely funded by the community and helps local youth to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Terri Ketover Community Philanthropist Making A Dierence What better way to make a di’erence than to impact the youth of our community. I recently founded and serve as the Executive Director of DO THE RIGHT THING - Greater Palm Springs in conjunction with the Palm Springs Police Department, dedicated to recognizing and rewarding school-age children for desirable behavior, good deeds, and accomplishments, and fostering positive relationships between young people and local law enforcement o©cers. In addition, I continue to serve as Co-Chair of “One Night Only” and the Western Wind Writers Contest for PSUSD 7th graders, as well as serving on the board of the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center and the Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs. Brianna Kelly American Red Cross Southern California Region Regional Communications Manager Making A Dierence The American Red Cross Southern California Region, which proudly serves San Diego, Imperial, Orange, Riverside and San Ber- nardino Counties, exists to provide compas- sionate 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 su’ering in the face of emergencies - down the street, across the country and around the world. Chris Hunter Hunter Johnsen President Making A Dierence Whether we’re assisting with public outreach on behalf of our nonprofit partners in health- care, the environment, the arts, or economic development – or developing comprehensive integrated marketing campaigns for private businesses – we’re proud to know that our passion and our creative energies help our clients achieve their goals.” Chris believes in volunteer community involvement. A graduate of Leadership Coachella Valley, she has also served on the board of the local chapter of the American Advertising Federation (8+ years) and the Palm Desert Area Chamber (10+ years), and is now in her sixth year on the board of the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP). Paula Simonds Paula is an experienced professional with over 20 years of involvement in the nonprofit sector. She has held various positions, ranging from Community Relations to Chief Executive Oƒcer. Since 2019, Paula has been serving as the CEO of the Family YMCA of the Desert, where she deeply values the commitment of the sta, board, volunteers, and community in making a meaningful impact on the lives of those they serve. She has served as the Executive Director of the Desert Cancer Foundation, a mission-driven organization that she is immensely proud to have been a part of. Paula actively participates in local, regional, state, and national Boards, oering her expertise as a valued partner and trusted resource to support the success of others. As a Coachella Valley resident for 25 years, Paula has been recognized as an inspir- ing and influential leader, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning. Her recognition as the Palm Springs Life Women in Business Community Nonprofit Leader of the Year in 2017 is a testament to her understanding of the vital role that nonprofits play in communities. Paula and her husband Joe, a PGA teach- ing professional, will be celebrating their 36th wedding anniversary in January. They have two remarkable sons, Joey and his beautiful wife Ileana, and Ben, who exemplify the value of giving back that Paula and Joe have instilled in them. Paula’s generosity, thoughtfulness, and visionary leadership make her a dedicated advocate for our desert community and beyond. Throughout the pandemic, she successfully guided the Family YMCA of the Desert, ensuring critical childcare centers remained open to provide care for the children of essential workers. Paula cultivates team members who lead with the same passion and purpose as she does, inspiring a fun and rewarding work environment for all. Paula Simonds Chief Executive Officer Family YMCA of the Desert 43-930 San Pablo Avenue Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760) 341-9622 paulasimonds@desertymca.org www.desertymca.org WOMEN IN PHILANTHROPY - PAGE 7 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS SPOTLIGHT