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

Kelly May-Vollmar, Ed.D. Desert Sands Unified School District Superintendent of Schools Making A Dierence I am a strong believer in paying it forward. Whether you devote time to mentoring other women or volunteering for a worthwhile orga- nization, I believe we all have a responsibility to give back. I find great joy in mentoring up and coming chief technology o©cers across the state of CA and volunteering for advisory boards such as the United Way, One Future Coachella Valley, John F. Kennedy Foundation, and the Consortium for School Network. However, my greatest joy comes from helping to inspire the next generation of citizens and leaders in my role as Superintendent of Schools. Shay Moraga Shay’s Warriors Life After Cancer - Founder/ CEO Making A Dierence After going through my own very aggressive breast cancer treatment in 2016, I realized I struggled to find help and connect with others that understood my new mindset of life. For me, I needed help not just physically but emotionally among others who went through a similar experience. It was at a yoga retreat that I was given the word HOPE by others because I shared my story of survival and it inspired others to share theirs. That’s when the Shay’s Warriors ‘life after cancer’ community was born. We strive to give back among the cancer survivorship community by supporting the “new normal” helping cancer survivors reset with tools, resources, workshops and our yearly “I AM HOPE Survivors Reset Retreat”. Four days where attendees get the opportunity to gather in a safe space of non-judgement. We share and heal after our “new normal” begins. I just want to help others know we are here for them even after the cancer is gone. Taylor Mochulsky Desert Cancer Foundation Event and Sponsorship Coordinator Making A Dierence In my diverse journey, I’ve held many roles; however, the common thread in every position was bringing joy to others. Volunteering as a girl scout ignited my passion for charity, leading me to support numerous causes in my community. Now, as the Desert Cancer Foundation’s event and sponsorship coordinator, I’m using my skills to raise awareness and funds for Coachella Valley residents fighting cancer. With a deep personal connection to this cause, I’m dedicated to building a caring community where support thrives. Together, we’ll make a di’erence in countless lives. Stephanie Minor Success For Nonprofits CEO Making A Dierence I am honored to work with and support many wonderful Coachella Valley nonprofits. As a Development Professional with over 15 years of fundraising, nonprofit management, marketing, and consulting experience, I am passionate about empowering nonprofit organizations to work smarter, not harder, as they increase the impact of their organi- zation’s work in the community and a’ect real change for a better world. As an African American woman, I am focused on promoting values around diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in my work with nonprofits. Brianna Miller Voices for Children Philanthropy Manager Making A Dierence Regarding her role as Philanthropy Manager, Miller said, “It’s our CASA volunteers who do the life-transforming work of advocating for children in foster care. I simply share their stories with the community, which I do so with pride.” Through her relationship-building, Miller has secured donations from philanthropically minded companies, like Amazon, and has developed lasting partnerships with many local businesses, including The Roost Lounge. Miller was thrilled when VFC was added to the Concert Series at The Gardens and looks forward to participating in Wine Down Wednesday and Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage for the first time this year. Dr. Ruthanna Metzgar SongShine Foundation Founder and Director Making A Dierence SongShine is a music and creative dra- ma-based program that harnesses brain, breath, and emotion to strengthen voices a’ected by Parkinson’s, stroke, other neurological disorders, and aging. SongShine reclaims voices. You do not have to be a singer to participate. SongShine is built around the leading-edge science of neuroplasticity-the human brain’s ability to reorganize itself and change. By stimulating alternative brain pathways, sing- ing strengthens the voice. SongShine builds community, camaraderie, and confidence. As the creator of SongShine I was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s. I will sing on, but I will become a class member when new Jenni McCormick San Bernardino County Museum Marketing Specialist Making A Dierence Jenni McCormick joined the San Bernardino County Museum (SBCM) in May 2020 as their Marketing Specialist. Spurred by the COVID-19 epidemic and the shutdown of the museum, she and sta’ began digitizing exhibits and developing a robust repository of born-digital content which became SBCM Connect, a digital ecosystem housed on their newly designed SBCM website. This ecosystem supports the interests of lifelong learners, teachers and parents conducting at-home learning for families, students, and researchers by activating and increasing the museum’s virtual presence through digital exhibits, online programming, distance learning resources, and curator spotlights and blogs. Kim McNulty OneFuture Coachella Valley Vice President Regional Strategy Making A Dierence OneFuture Coachella Valley connects 300+ community partners through the Regional Plan for College & Career Success with the goal of ensuring all students have the tools they need to be successful in school, career and life. Since 2010, our partnership has award- ed more than $17 million in scholarships to 3,000 students who have completed degrees and are returning to work in our valley. We are transforming opportunity for local students through early career exploration, mentoring, college scholarships, workplace connections and leadership experiences. Great things happen when we work together – new partners and volunteers are always welcome. Join us! www.onefuturecv.org WOMEN IN PHILANTHROPY - PAGE 10 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS