2026–2027 Alumni Council Founders
Kate Spates (2006)One Valley Foundation · Oak View Group
Ezekiel Bonillas (2007)Palm Desert Entrepreneurial Resource Center
Amir Afsar (2010)Honorary Board MemberAfsar Law Group
Amy Blaisdell (2010)City of Palm Springs
Cindy Burreson (2010)Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
Erin Hyland (2022)Honorary Board MemberRead With Me Volunteer Programs
Ann Kerian (2022)Ann Kerian: Consulting & Coaching, LLC
Gerry Neighbors (2023)Board SecretaryA Neighbor’s Care
Ryland Penta (2023)Board PresidentCity of Palm Desert
Stacie Hedges (2024)Palm Springs Tennis Courts · Conserve LandCare
Joe Spinelli (2024)Board MemberStarbucks
2026–2027 Alumni Council
Deborah Tryon (2014)Morgan Stanley
Kristin Hermann (2019)Hermann Design Group, Inc.
Serena Leiterman (2022)Equity Union Real Estate
Xochitl Pena (2025)Desert Water Agency
Kelly Tweedie (2025)Board Vice PresidentKeller Williams
Julie Spira (2026)Digital Matchmaker®️
Colin Wright (2026)Stryker
2026–2027 Alumni Supporters
Joanna Boles Whitlow (2007 & 2023)
Deborah Glickman (2009)Honorary Board Member
Recognition current as of September 17, 2026.
A Message from Our Board President
Help Open the Door for a Future Leader
One of the most meaningful ways we can strengthen Leadership Coachella Valley is by helping ensure that talented leaders throughout our community have the opportunity to participate.
While some participants receive tuition support from their employers, others do not—especially those early in their careers, working for small organizations, or building businesses of their own. Support from the Alumni Council helps open that door by allowing Leadership Coachella Valley to invest in scholarships and the future leadership of our region.
If Leadership Coachella Valley made an impact on you, I hope you’ll consider helping make that same experience possible for someone who may not otherwise have the opportunity.
Small Acts, Lasting Impacts is our motto for the Class of 2027. This is one small way our alumni can help shape the leaders who come next.
Warmly,
Ryland Penta
President, Leadership Coachella Valley
Alumni Council Founders
Leadership Coachella Valley’s Premier Alumni Leadership Circle
The Alumni Council Founders represent Leadership Coachella Valley’s highest level of individual alumni support and engagement.
Comprised of graduates who have chosen to invest more deeply in the future of the organization, Founders help expand scholarships, strengthen programming, and create new opportunities for alumni engagement.
Founder status is designed for alumni who want to play a more visible role in sustaining and advancing Leadership Coachella Valley beyond their class year.
$500 Annual Contribution
Plus applicable fees.
Founder Recognition & Benefits
✓ All Alumni Council benefits
✓ Distinguished recognition as an Alumni Council Founder on all Class of 2027 session agendas
✓ Featured placement on the Alumni Council webpage
✓ Recognition at alumni mixers, graduation, and select Leadership Coachella Valley events
✓ Priority invitations to Founder and Alumni Council gatherings, as available
✓ Recognition as a visible champion of Leadership Coachella Valley and its future
Join as a Founder:
Alumni Council
For alumni who want to stay connected, support future classes, and remain actively engaged with Leadership Coachella Valley throughout the year.
Your contribution helps support class programming, scholarships, alumni engagement, and the continued growth of Leadership Coachella Valley.
$300 Annual Contribution
Plus applicable fees.
Alumni Council Benefits
✓ Name and class year listed on all Class of 2027 session agendas
✓ Recognition on the Alumni Council page of the Leadership Coachella Valley website
✓ Complimentary admission or preferred Alumni Council pricing at Leadership Coachella Valley mixers and alumni events throughout the year
✓ Complimentary ticket to the Class of 2027 Welcome Reception
✓ Connection to a network of engaged alumni committed to strengthening leadership across the Coachella Valley
Join the Alumni Council:
Alumni Supporters
For alumni who want a simple way to support the Class of 2027 and stay connected to Leadership Coachella Valley.
Your contribution helps support class programming, scholarships, alumni engagement, and the continued growth of Leadership Coachella Valley.
$150 Annual Contribution
Plus applicable fees.
Alumni Supporter Benefits
✓ Name and class year listed on all Class of 2027 session agendas
✓ Recognition on the Alumni Council page of the Leadership Coachella Valley website
✓ Connection to a network of engaged alumni committed to strengthening leadership across the Coachella Valley
Become an Alumni Supporter:
Alumni Council benefits and engagement opportunities may continue to expand throughout the program year.
*Alumni Council membership is intended for individual alumni. Organizations interested in corporate sponsorship can explore sponsorship opportunities here.
Leadership Coachella Valley is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization | EIN: 33-0914378.
All donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.