Greeting WLF Members, Friends, and Supporters,

It is such an honor to step into the role of WLF President and follow in the footsteps of Jenell VanDenBos; her extraordinary dedication, passion, and stewardship puts the incoming leadership team in a position to build upon her success so the organization can continue to thrive, flourish and grow.

In late December 2021, the world was slowly returning to “normal” as Covid was winding down; I was thrilled at the prospect of connecting with women in the new community my husband and I choose to call home. Jenell VanDenBos responded to my email inquiry, and graciously invited me to be her guest at the January Let’s Interact event. She introduced herself and selected a table with a lovely group of women for me to sit with for the evening.

My initial plan was to attend a meeting or two before making any decision about becoming a member. However, that changed when Jenell spoke about the Young Women Leaders program. She described how the scholarship program had been on hold due to Covid, and why it was so important for members to volunteer and support our local high school students as they transitioned from high school to college in this ever-changing world. I was sold! Upon returning home, I signed up to become a member of WLF and two weeks later, attended my first YWL session, via Zoom, as a committee member.  I was beyond impressed by the resilient, hard-working, and bright young women who showed up for the weekly sessions.

Serving as Co-Chair of Young Women Leaders in 2022-23 with Melita Martin Radtke and as VP for the 2023-24 season, has been such an exciting and gratifying journey. The program nearly doubled over the past year. I credit the engagement of the YWL student leaders, the YWL committee, and the WLF members who lend their time and hearts to make this program a highly sought-after and respected resource here in Coachella Valley.  It is evident word is spreading, as last fall we had over 130 students from Palm Springs to Thermal submit applications to participate. I am beyond grateful to the YWL committee members whose amazing talents contributed to what it is today.

When a young woman sees what’s possible, her potential becomes limitless. I know am the woman I am today because of the caring women who always seemed to show up at the right time and passed on life and career-changing knowledge, wisdom, and insights.  Women Leaders Forum of Coachella Valley gives young women an opportunity to believe in themselves and their dreams.

As I step into the role of President of Women Leaders Forum, I am profoundly thankful for Jenell’s leadership, guidance, and support (and patience) over the past year as I shadowed her in preparation for this transition. I humbly take on the mantle of this highly respected organization with deference to the great women leaders who served before me. As I begin my term, I have chosen the following words to serve as my north star and guiding principles: Community, Connection and Collaboration. Something powerful happens when women come together for a common good, we are a force for change. I hope to serve our members, students and supporters in a way that inspires us to feel proud to be part of an organization that is creating a meaningful ripple effect that reaches far beyond our valley.

I am joined by a group of amazing women who will comprise the 2024-25 Board. I am delighted to be working alongside these exceptional and talented leaders. Thank you for entrusting me with this responsibility, I look forward to a wonderful year of building community, connecting, and collaborating!

Warm regards,

President, Women Leaders Forum

Connection | Collaboration | Community