Leadership doesn’t end at graduation.
Leadership Coachella Valley alumni continue to shape the region through their work, service, ideas, and involvement in the community.
Alumni in Action highlights professional milestones, community involvement, and leadership stories—showcasing the many ways our graduates continue making an impact across the Coachella Valley and beyond.
Across the Leadership Coachella Valley Network
Our Alumni in Action
Professional Milestones
New roles, promotions, awards, business launches, and other accomplishments from across the Leadership Coachella Valley alumni network.
Community Involvement
Board service, volunteer work, community initiatives, and the many ways our alumni continue showing up for the region.
Leadership Stories
A closer look at the experiences, ideas, and people behind the work—and what leadership looks like after the program ends.
Latest Alumni Updates
Award & Recognition
Amy Blaisdell ’10
Chief Communications Officer | City of Palm Springs
Amy Blaisdell and the City of Palm Springs communications team received the California Association of Public Information Officials’ Frank Potter Cowan Crisis Communications Award on May 13, 2026.
The statewide award recognizes the team’s response following the May 17, 2025 bombing at the American Reproductive Health Center. Led by Blaisdell, the team worked with emergency responders and government partners to provide timely, verified information to the public during the crisis.
Community Leadership
Kristen Crawford ’26
Board Member | Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce
Kristen Crawford has joined the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 term. In her new role, she looks forward to collaborating with local leaders, supporting the business community, and helping advance economic growth throughout the Coachella Valley.
Organizational Leadership
Serena Leiterman ’22
Co-President | California Desert and Inland Gateway Association of REALTORS®
The California Desert Association of REALTORS® and the Inland Gateway Association of REALTORS® have officially merged to form the California Desert and Inland Gateway Association of REALTORS® (CDIG).
As 2026 President of the California Desert Association, Serena Leiterman helped lead the organization through the merger process and now serves as Co-President of CDIG, which represents nearly 7,000 REALTOR® members across the region.
The merger brings the two organizations together to create a stronger regional association, expand the resources available to members, and strengthen the voice of REALTORS® and the communities they serve.
Community Leadership
Colin Wright ’26
Senior IP Counsel, Ortho Tech Division | Stryker
On July 1, 2026, Colin Wright was appointed by the Palm Springs City Council to serve a three-year term on the City’s Measure J Oversight Commission. The commission reviews the use of funds generated by the City’s Measure J one-percent sales tax and makes recommendations to the City Council.
Award & Recognition
Brianna Miller ’17
Recruitment and Outreach Manager | Voices for Children
Brianna Miller was recognized as Citizen of the Year by the Palm Desert Area Chamber.
Career Announcement
Julie Mignogna ’25
Public Works Manager | City of Indian Wells
In May, Julie Mignogna joined the City of Indian Wells as its Public Works Manager. Her new role provides the opportunity to take on greater leadership responsibilities while contributing to the Indian Wells community in a meaningful way.
Career Announcement
Erin Hyland ’22
Director of Development & Community Engagement | Read With Me Volunteer Programs
After three years as Recruitment Coordinator for Read With Me Volunteer Programs, Erin Hyland has been promoted to Director of Development, Community Engagement and Recruitment. She steps into the expanded role as the organization grows its reach to 29 schools across all three local school districts.
Read With Me Volunteer Programs was named Palm Desert’s Nonprofit of the Year and received the same distinction from the City of Cathedral City in 2025.
Share an Update
What have you been up to?
Whether you’ve started a new role, received an award, joined a board, launched a business or community initiative, or reached another milestone worth celebrating, we want to hear about it.