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

DeAnn Lubell DeAnn Lubell Marketing & Media Solutions Owner Making A Dierence Serving the local nonprofit sector (such as Read With Me Volunteers and Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley) as a publicist and marketing specialist since 1991 has been very rewarding. What a joy to have represented well-respected organizations with inspiring missions to make life better for others in our desert communities. Now, I am making a di’erence protecting and saving the lives of local pets with my own nonprofit called Amy’s Purpose. It supports pet safety programs (how to safeguard your pets and you) and veterinary assistant scholarships (to fill the critical shortage of animal medical professionals). For more information go to www.amyspurpose.net. Kathleen Lubanski Alzheimers Coachella Valley Volunteer Making A Dierence Kathleen Lubanski, MN, RN, FNP, AGPCNP-BC (retired), is a master’s prepared nurse practitioner with thirty-five years’ experience. In her retirement, she is a hospice volunteer, end-of-life doula, and an educator of stress reduction strategies that include breath work, meditation and guided imagery. In 2021 she received a call from Pat Kaplan about interest in being the geriatric nurse practitioner for the ACV Screening Clinic and without hesitation said, ’yes’. Kathleen volunteers her time at the ACV Screening Center in Palm Desert o’ering no-cost screenings for those with concerns about memory loss or cognitive impairment. Nefertiti Long Alliance of Black Women Accountants President Making A Dierence The Alliance of Black Women Accountants is a organization dedicated to the retention, empowerment, support and mentoring of women of color in the accounting and finance profession. As president, I am particularly focused on driving our organization forward and ensur- ing we open opportunities to young women of color in the profession. By partnering with accounting firms, government, and other business we provide access to internships and jobs. Further we o’er scholarships to help fund the education of young women. Additionally, our organization partners with business, schools and nonprofits to provide fi- nancial literacy workshops to the community. Karen Lin Green Room Theatre Company President Making A Dierence I believe theatre and dance bring joy, enlightenment, and health to a community. Green Room Theatre Company recently moved to Coachella City Hall to focus on providing top-notch theatre and education to East Coachella Valley. Last year, I designed a program that brought ballet folklorico and theatre to local elementary schools. This year we’re expanding to impact 180 performers at six schools, plus audiences of 6000 students and community members. Green Room continues to o’er a variety of theatre from Shakespeare to plays on social justice. Through art, we are empowering people to exercise their freedom of expression. Kelly Levy BIGHORN Golf Club Charities Director Making A Dierence I believe to extend yourself to others through kindness, self-sacrifice, and generosity allows one to find the purity of life’s joy. It is a great honor to be able to be on the supporting and volunteer side of BIGHORN Golf Club Charities and to help serve the Coachella Valley. BIGHORN’s philanthropic focus is to enrich the lives of those in need and to make a di’erence throughout the community. I am thankful for our donors for their compassion and humbled hearts. It is rewarding to see the collaboration between volunteers, directors, and clients from all non-profits and the impact the community has by working together. Jenna LeComte-Hinely HARC, Inc. Chief Executive Oƒcer Making A Dierence Dr. LeComte-Hinely leads HARC, Inc. (Health Assessment and Research for Communities), a nonprofit that provides research and eval- uation services related to health, wellness, and quality of life. HARC has been providing Coachella Valley population health data to the community at no charge and supporting dozens of nonprofits for more than 15 years. Dr. LeComte-Hinely also serves on the Board of Trustees of Borrego Health, a federally qualified health center, which provides care to all who need it, regardless of their ability to pay. Dr. LeComte-Hinely is also a©liated with the Center for Health Disparities at UC Riverside. Roxy Landa Girls Rising Mentoring Program Regional Program Manager Making A Dierence I have a passion for serving at risk youth in non-profits for over 9 years. As a young girl who grew up in a low-income community, I have made it a priority to make every participant in Girls Rising believe that she belongs. It is important for our girls who live in underserved communities to dream big and aim high. Every young girl should know their aspirations are valid and achievable, regardless of the fields they are interested in or the goals they want to pursue. Mentors can provide valuable insights, encourage- ment, and advice, helping our girls navigate challenges and pursue their passions. Becky Kurtz Desert Town Hall Executive Director Making A Dierence We strive to make a di’erence in our community with Desert Town Hall, a premier speaker series that brings leaders from the world stage to our stage in Indian Wells. Becky feels a special responsibility to future generations and has found a creative outlet for that passion through her work at Desert Town Hall. “Youth Town Hall is one of the best parts of Desert Town Hall, where high school students meet with speakers before the evening’s main event,” she said. “We invite area high schools (from Desert Hot Springs to the Salton Sea) who choose students to send to each of the events. “I’m blessed to do what I love every day, live in a beautiful community, stay engaged at the local level, and reach out to connect renowned leaders with the citizens of the Coachella Valley. Who can ask for more?” WOMEN IN PHILANTHROPY - PAGE 8 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS