The Women Leaders Forum of the Coachella Valley (WLF) is proud to announce the honorees for its 6th Annual “Women Who Rule” Awards Luncheon and Scholarship Fundraiser presented by Desert Regional Medical Center.

On Friday, January 26, at Agua Caliente Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage, four deserving women will be honored for their extraordinary community leadership, public service, commitment to education and visionary entrepreneurship. The event begins at 11 a.m. with an elegant reception and silent auction followed by the awards program and luncheon.

All proceeds from the luncheon, and a matching donation from OneFuture Coachella Valley, a division of the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership, will go directly towards college scholarships for the best and brightest members enrolled in WLF’s Young Women Leaders Mentoring Program. Over $400,000 has been raised to date.

Each honoree has exemplified a dedication to our community by educating, inspiring, and empowering others. The 2018 Women Who Rule include the following:

WLF Desert Visionary Award

Denise Wilson
Denise Wilson is President and CEO of Desert Jet, a group of aircraft management, charter, maintenance and ground handling companies based she founded with no investors or start-up capital. The company has been ranked on the Inc. 500|5000 list of the nation’s fastest growing, privately-owned companies five consecutive years and named one of the “50 Fastest Growing” women-owned/led companies worldwide.

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Helene Galen Excellence in Education Award

Kajsa Thuresson-Frary
In 1997, Kajsa launched the arts-centered education for children and adults to more deeply serve the local community. As Director of McCallum Theatre Education, Kajsa leads a team of education coordinators, teaching artists and others in designing, developing and implementing dynamic programs serving close to 40,000 students, teachers and community members each year.

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Mary T. Roche Community Leadership Award

Patricia ‘Patty’ Newman
Patty Newman is a 36-year desert resident. She has served many charitable organizations, including women’s groups and Animal Samaritans and has chaired two Rancho Mirage commissions. She was also active in the mentoring project at Cielo Vista Elementary School and has always worked hard to improve the wellbeing of our community.

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WLF Trail Blazer Award

Reesa Manning
Reesa played an integral part in establishing WLF. Her entrepreneurial expertise and drive inspired many to join and grow the organization. In addition to her work as a financial advisor, she has had many appointments including WLF President; President of Women of Sinai, Temple Sinai; President of the Los Angeles Chapter of National Council of Jewish Women; and The National Association of Women Business Owners.

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