Rosie Vacano
Rosie Vacano is a longtime Palm Springs resident, philanthropist, and quiet force behind the city’s arts, music, and community life. Surrounded by flowers she lovingly arranges for homes and celebrations, Rosie herself feels like one — radiant, thoughtful, and full of grace. Her life is a generous act of giving beauty, warmth, and care to everything she touches.
Stephanie Lewis
Stephanie Lewis is a speech therapist, LGBTQ+ advocate, and the heart behind @palmspringshello, where she lovingly preserves the fleeting magic of Palm Springs life. With rare attentiveness and sincerity, she shows up for her community — listening deeply, uplifting others, and celebrating people exactly as they are. Stephanie reminds us that true community is built through kindness, presence, and love in action.
Mandi Witkower
Mandi Witkower is pure momentum — creative, generous, and always moving toward possibility. A leader in casino and entertainment marketing, her creative direction helped Fantasy Springs win multiple ADDY awards while strengthening the advertising community across the Coachella Valley. Energized by the desert she loves, Mandi inspires others through action, optimism, and an unstoppable belief in what’s next.
Theresa Maggio
Theresa Maggio is a philanthropic leader whose compassion and clarity help save lives across the Coachella Valley. As Senior Director of Annual Giving and Circle of Stars at the Eisenhower Health Foundation, she guides generosity into critical medical care, advanced technology, and patient support. Leading with quiet strength and gratitude, Theresa’s impact is felt in the lives she touches and the hope she helps sustain.
Nancy Ross
Nancy Ross came to the Coachella Valley to retire — and instead answered a call to serve. A civic leader in Cathedral City, she has shaped her community through work in public arts, housing, behavioral health, and regional initiatives that strengthen everyday life. With warmth, humor, and deep care for people, Nancy leads in a way that feels both powerful and profoundly human.
Davis Meyer
Davis Meyer, Vice President of Government & Industry Relations at Visit Greater Palm Springs, carries a quiet confidence that settles the space around her. Thoughtful, grounded, and deeply devoted to both her work and her family, she approaches every role with calm strength and clear purpose. Her presence reflects steady leadership, care, and commitment in all she does.
Marilyn Benachowski
Marilyn Benachowski, co-founder of The Desert Symphony and longtime McCallum Theatre concertmaster, has devoted decades to music and nurturing talent in the Coachella Valley. At 97, she continues to inspire through her warmth, care, and boundless enthusiasm for the arts. Her life is a symphony of generosity, family, and a deep love for every note she helps bring to life.
Erin Hyland
Erin Hyland, Board President and volunteer leader in the Coachella Valley, brings energy, elegance, and unwavering generosity to every project she touches. From guiding Leadership Coachella Valley to supporting literacy programs and animal welfare, she shows up fully for her community and the people she loves. Impossible to miss, Erin inspires through action, warmth, and a deep commitment to making a difference.
Angela Chen
Angela Chen, morning anchor at KESQ, greets the Coachella Valley each day with warmth, sincerity, and sharp reporting. An Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award–winning journalist, she brings stories to life with depth, curiosity, and genuine care for her community. Carrying her own sunshine, Angela inspires through her presence, laughter, and the hope she brings to every story she tells.
Kate Anderson
Kate Anderson, Director of Public Relations for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, is a storyteller and community connector whose work bridges tradition, history, and visibility. Known for her warmth, humor, and quiet leadership, she creates space where people feel seen and heard. Through her communication and care, Kate shapes how the region’s stories are shared, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she meets.
Jane Voigts
Jane Voigts, pastor and former comedian, brings warmth, humor, and wisdom to every space she inhabits. She turns sermons into conversations and church into a place where people feel seen, welcomed, and at ease. With her light, joyful presence, Jane reminds everyone that kindness is a practice and joy is always possible.
Massey Pitts
Massey Pitts, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the Palm Springs Surf Club, combines sharp focus, strategic vision, and effortless elegance in all she does. Known for her confidence, discipline, and high standards, she moves through work and life with intention and style. Beyond her professional drive, Massey inspires with grace, warmth, and a love for the beautiful moments she creates with those around her.
Rani Marriott
Rani Marriott, Senior Account Manager at JNS Next Media and Vice President of the Desert Ad Fed Board, blends professional expertise with heart, humor, and quiet confidence. A devoted mother of four, she balances family, career, and community leadership with grace and energy. Rani inspires through connection, generosity, and a grounded presence that makes everyone around her feel seen and supported.
Gina Rotolo
Gina Rotolo is Vice President of Marketing & Team Business Services for the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where she leads fan engagement, strategic marketing, and community outreach with creativity and purpose. With a rich career spanning major entertainment brands, live events, and global experiences, she brings energy, vision, and connection to everything she does. Gina’s leadership invites people in, builds community, and celebrates the power of shared experiences.
Stacie Hedges
Stacie Hedges, co-owner of Palm Springs Tennis Courts and advocate for small businesses, brings warmth, creativity, and unshakable strength to everything she does. A decade of entrepreneurship and community leadership has honed her resilience, generosity, and commitment to empowering others. With a spark of artistry and a grounded, intentional presence, Stacie inspires through both action and example.
Kahlia Gaines
Kahlia Gaines, Senior Destination Experiences Manager at Visit Greater Palm Springs, brings dedication, heart, and vibrant energy to her work and community. A leader on multiple boards and a passionate entrepreneur, she balances professional impact with generosity, creativity, and a deep love for her children. Bright, joyful, and full of purpose, Kahlia inspires through laughter, care, and the example she sets every day.
Katie Slimko
Katie Slimko, President and CEO of the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce, leads with vision, resilience, and heart, transforming her organization into a powerful voice for the community. From overcoming early challenges to mentoring and supporting others, she balances leadership with generosity, compassion, and a deep belief in people. Radiant, warm, and full of joy, Katie inspires through both her achievements and the genuine care she brings to every connection.
Kellee McQueen
Kellee McQuinn — known in Palm Springs as DJ Modgirl — brings infectious energy, style, and sparkle to every event she spins, curating eclectic musical experiences that make rooms come alive. A local favorite on KGAY 106.5 with her Sunday Tea Dance and a beloved presence at Desert festivals, she blends joy, creativity, and audience connection through every beat. Her work as a performer, producer, and entertainer celebrates community, fun, and the soundtrack of desert life.
Cindy Burreson
Cindy Burreson, CEO of the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, brings vision, persistence, and heart to every project she leads. A community leader and champion for children’s imagination, she creates spaces where young minds can explore, dream, and feel seen. Sparkling, empathetic, and full of joy, Cindy inspires through her energy, generosity, and wholehearted presence.
