Desert Health News September-October 2024

www.wlf desert.org Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, the mere thought of attending a networking event can seem daunting. For introverts, engaging in small talk can feel awkward, while extroverts may feel exhausted after being animated for an extended period of time. However, there is so much value to be gained from networking beyond the initial getting-to- know you stage. It’s an opportunity to cultivate relationships, build rapport and make lasting connections. Selecting a group of like-minded individuals with shared interests is a good way to ease the anxiety of those initial steps. For over 20 years, Women Leaders Forum of Coachella Valley (WLF) has provided a space to engage, empower and uplift women throughout the community. Through their signature Let’s Interact Series, WLF has created a forum where like-minded women can come together to learn and grow, while also supporting the next generation of future leaders. The monthly events take place the first Thursday of the month from September through April and culminate with theWomenWho Rule Awards Luncheon in May, our largest fundraiser for our Young Women Leaders youth scholarship program. Each month professional women gather to network, socialize and enjoy dinner as they hear from local leaders and business owners who share their journeys, expertise and knowledge. The 2024-25 season kicks-off September 5 featuring Kimberly Krausse, owner of Konnections Certification, Inc. who will demonstrate how to elevate your networking game with ease and confidence. She is joined by WLF Vice President of Membership Stacie Hedges, owner of SH Business Stylist, and moderator Sofia Mastroberti, owner of Kiki’s La Quinta. The event is sponsored by locally owned Buzzbox Premium Cocktails. In October, the program series will highlight the importance of maintaining your health and well-being. This highly requested topic is presented by sponsor Desert Oasis Healthcare and offers a top-tier panel of leading health care professionals from around the valley. This event will be held at UCR who generously provided the space. Come join a group of amazing women who share a desire to make the community around them a better place. Whether you are new to the Coachella Valley and are seeking the camaraderie of like-minded women, are interested in volunteering with a philanthropic organization, or simply want to surround yourself with women interested in personal development and empowerment, there are many ways to get involved with WLF. Visit our website to reserve your spot for our upcoming Let’s Interact events. You may walk in as a stranger, but you will leave as a friend. We look forward to meeting you soon! Eleanor (Elle) Oliver-Edmonds is founder of Eleanor Oliver Coaching and President of Women Leaders Forum and can be reached at president@wlfdesert.org . For more information and our schedule of events, visit www.wlfdesert.org . If there is one thing Coachella Valley residents have in common, it’s the environment we share and how it can affect our health. Valley leaders and residents are invited to explore the impact of the environment on our health at the inaugural Healthy Desert, Healthy You Summit taking place September 20-21 at The Westin Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage. Panels featuring environmental experts, health leaders, elected officials and others will cover topics that affect diverse community members. Presentations will span empowerment of seniors and farmworkers to protect themselves, engaging youth and nonprofits to lead efforts addressing air and water quality, and land-use issues. The panels will be bookended by two key note speakers who are knowledgeable, compassionate and effective environmental advocates: California Secretary for Environmental Protection Yana Garcia (Sept. 20) and activist and 2022 Goldman Environmental Prize winner Nalleli Cobo (Sept. 21). Both speakers are known for uplifting the voices of disadvantaged residents who are grappling with environmental challenges. Garcia, appointed to state secretary by Governor Gavin Newsom in August 2022, advises the governor on environmental policy. She oversees the state’s efforts to fight climate change, protect air and water quality, regulate pesticides and toxic substances, achieve the state’s recycling and waste reduction goals and advance environmental justice. Since 2021, Garcia has served as Special Assistant Attorney General advising California Attorney General Rob Bonta on the California Department of Justice’s legal and policy matters pertaining to the environment, land law and natural resources including climate and energy, along with transportation and housing. Cobo, who is the co-founder of People Not Pozos, made international news at age 19 when she identified a correlation between the illnesses affecting her and her neighbors and the presence of an oil-drilling site in their Los Angeles neighborhood. Her activism led to closing the site down. In addition to sharing her experience and insights, Cobo will meet separately with valley youth organizations. Cobo and Garcia’s remarks are expected to be two of many summit highlights. "We are excited to present this summit as an opportunity to raise awareness of how our local environment can affect our health and to issue a call-to-action for everyone in the valley to get involved," said Chris Christensen, Desert Healthcare District and Foundation CEO. "Our goal with this event is to provide information that leads to real-world action to improve environmental health conditions and our quality of life." The District and Foundation has launched a $1 million request for proposal process in support of the call to action. Nonprofit organizations are invited to apply for funding for programs and services that address environmental health challenges. Healthy Desert, Healthy You Environmental Health Summit takes place September 20-21 at The Westin Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage and is open to all. For free registration and additional information, visit www.healthydeserthealthyyou.com . September/October 2024 www.DesertHealthNews.com Desert Events The Valley ' s Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 23 Women Leaders Forum launches another exciting season of our signature Let’s Interact speaker series. Each month, we feature speakers and topics curated to transform the lives of busy, professional women. Why Attend? CONNECT with like-minded women leaders SUPPORT local women-owned businesses EXPLORE volunteer opportunities EMPOWER the next generation of leaders JOIN an uplifting and motivating community DEVELOP personal and professional skills LEARN from top speakers and industry experts WLF is a non-prot organization bringing together women leaders of the Coachella Valley to network, volunteer, and fundraise for the advancement of the next generation. September 5 • Season Kick-O Building Strong Networks and Communities October 3 • Health Empowerment What You Don’t Know May Hurt You (please note di‡erent location) UC Riverside-Palm Desert • 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive November 7 • She Means Business From Idea to Impact December 5 • I Love the Coachella Valley Discover What’s Hot, What’s New and What’s Next Let’s Interact events take place on the rst Thursday of each month at The Classic Club • 5:30—7:30 p.m. $48 members | $65 non-members A S P E A K E R S E R I E S Let’s Interact Upcoming Events Generously Sponsored By: Find more details about WLF and register for upcoming events at wlfdesert.org. California Secretary of Environmental Protection Yana Garcia Activist Nalleli Cobo WLF offers an inviting space to engage, empower and uplift women throughout our community. Healthy Desert, Healthy You Summit Environmental advocacy event open to all By Will Dean Expanding Your Network By Eleanor Oliver-Edmonds