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

Calista Vassios United Cerebral Palsy of the Inland Empire Donor Development Manager Making A Dierence At UCPIE we are making a di’erence by empowering individuals with disabilities to live life without limits through in-home respite care, skill builders after school programs, family empowerment program, custom adaptive bikes, and community referrals. UCPIE Team Freedom walks and rides in the Tour de Palm Springs. I am also proud to be involved with SMaRT Education, CREATE Center, Association of Fundraising Professionals and support local nonprofits who are making a di’erence in our community. Thank you to everyone who makes the world a better place! Sue Townsley Cathedral City Senior Center Executive Committee Board Member Making A Dierence It is a pleasure to serve on the board of the Cathedral City Senior Center (CCSC) under its current leadership. Its mission, vision, and programming serve the needs of seniors across the Valley, and its outstanding Food Bank provides sustenance to people of all ages and circumstances. After terming out as a Public Arts Commissioner, I became a formal volunteer for Cathedral City. I also mentor at our local high school, serve on the board of the American Jazz Institute, chair the CCSC Gala committee, coordinate the CCSC Arts/Culture series, and was the 2020 AFP Fundraising Volunteer of the Year. Celeste R. Townsend California Indian Nations College President / CEO Making A Dierence I am truly grateful and honored to lead the team at California Indian Nations College (CINC). At CINC, we make a di’erence by o’ering high-quality, post-secondary, culturally-respon- sive educational opportunities to the under- served and underrepresented communities. We aim to be California’s first fully-accredited tribal college (in decades) and have overcome a mul- titude of obstacles and hurdles. Our students, sta’, faculty, trustees, and donors are truly resilient on this road of educational success. This CINC family proudly represents tribal nations with heart, soul, spirit, and cultural competency to bring awareness and respect to enrich the lives our local and tribal communities. Judy Tobin May Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert Executive Director Making A Dierence As we celebrate 26 years of being in the match making business – no a dating plat- form – but connecting mentors with children, we have created thousands of connections, all with the goal of helping a child make positive decisions to help them have a bright future. I’m am motivated seeing the match connec- tions grow through the years and realize that Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring model has played an important role in turning our former Littles into productive adults. It brings joy to learn of someone’s college graduation, marriage engagement, birth of a children and job promotions. Mentoring is a simple concept but one that is so rewarding and truly does change a child’s life. Sheila Thornton OneFuture Coachella Valley President and CEO Making A Dierence OneFuture is dedicated to building a healthy and vibrant community by cultivating a pipeline of talented healthcare professionals with students from our valley, who will contribute to the well-being and prosperity of the entire region. We are transforming health pathways by con- necting educational institutions, healthcare providers and community stakeholders who are committed to bridging the gap between education and employment opportunities. Strong partnerships with healthcare leaders ensure that students are prepared to meet the industry’s evolving needs, creating a skilled and diverse workforce to meet our region’s healthcare demands. I am proud of this work and excited for our future! SPOTLIGHT WOMEN IN PHILANTHROPY - PAGE 15 DESERT CHARITIES NEWS Michelle Cates At PAV, we work to advance equity and address the root causes of gender based violence. As Executive Director of Partners Against Violence, its my honor to support the supporters, the fearless advocates and volunteers that confront violence and provide hope to our community each day. Our team works directly with victims— Survivors—of sexual assault and violent crime. This work consists of hearing a survivor’s story and standing witness to the survivor’s fear and terror and providing options and hope for healing and support. Our team, made up of truama informed advocates ensure that survivors have access to support 24/7 via our hotline at 760-568-9071. Everything we do centers on providing a safe place for Survivors to heal and find support. All of our services are available at no cost to Survivors, their significant others, and family members. Last year, our Coachella team provided services to 751 survivors and their families. Advocates provided emotional support to 75 victims at Eisenhower and other local hospitals. Volunteer advocates answered 392 hotline calls. And, our team partici- pated in more than 203 community events providing awareness and prevention education to 11,468 community members. Every member of our community deserves to feel valued and safe. I believe all persons should be able to live free of violence of any kind and envision a cultural paradigm shift in which no one perpetuates violence. At Partners Against Violence we work to create a culture of respect and dignity for all persons. I believe violence is not inevitable and that prevention is possible. I am grateful to further that vision with an organization that shares those values. Michelle Cates Executive Director Partners Against Violence 78370 Highway 111 Suite 130 La Quinta, CA 92253 (760) 568-9071 michelle.c@partnersav.org www.partnersav.org Brianna Uhlhorn Anderson Children’s Foundation Director of Grants and Media Making A Dierence As ACF Director of Grants and Media, my role is to observe, evaluate, consult with, and report on the projects we fund. It is rewarding to give back to the community I grew up in and make connections that benefit our children. ACF is dedicated to meeting unmet needs of children in areas including health, education, recreation, and the arts. Opportunities to overcome challenges, develop skills, grow creativity, and expand horizons can transform young lives. ACF o’ers online grant applications in a simple format; please visit andersonchildrensfoundation.org to learn how to apply for funding.