Women Leaders Forum of the Coachella Valley hosted its fifth annual Women Who Rule Awards Luncheon and Scholarship Fundraiser at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa.
The organization provides scholarships to young women to assist with opportunities that would not be available without the support of the WLF members.
This year’s awards included the Desert Visionary Award given to philanthropic supporter Susie Harvey, the Mary T. Roche Community Leadership Award to philanthropist Jan Salta, the Helene Galen Excellence in Education Award to California State, San Bernardino, Palm Desert Campus dean Sharon Brown-Welty, and the WLF Inspiration Award to Melissa Neiderman, a generous advocate of local causes. Each recipient offered inspiring remarks as they received their awards.
Event chairman Mahasti Islami cultivated a charming environment for the afternoon event that included a Champagne reception, silent auction, and elegant luncheon set with fresh spring flowers from Eventscape.
After welcoming remarks by WLF board president Lisa Jimenez, she introduced 12 of the 117 Young Women Leader’s mentees from nine Coachella Valley schools to the audience. The students participate with WLF mentors in six educational workshops that cover such topics as financial responsibility, arts and etiquette, and health and wellness.
Desert Regional Medical Center was the presenting sponsor and the luncheon was sponsored by California State University, San Bernardino, Palm Desert Campus.
Women Leaders Forum of the Coachella Valley
74-923 Highway 111, PMB129
Indian Wells, CA 92210
760-837-7222
www.wlfdesert.org
Photos by Loretta Vlach
