By Craig Michaels
In an inspiring celebration of leadership, service, and empowerment, the Women Leaders Forum (WLF) of the Coachella Valley is set to host its 12th Annual Women Who Rule Awards and Scholarship Luncheon on Friday, May 9, 2025, at the luxurious Agua Caliente Resort and Casino in Rancho Mirage. The event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., is one of the region’s most anticipated gatherings of changemakers and community champions.
This year’s event will be emceed by the dynamic Laurilie Jackson—beloved educator at College of the Desert and trusted KESQ anchor—who returns once again to lend her voice and energy to the occasion.
The luncheon will shine a spotlight on a distinguished lineup of honorees, each of whom embodies the mission and values of WLF. Jenell VanDenBos, a force for mentorship and civic engagement, will receive the prestigious Mary T. Roche Community Leadership Award. The WLF Inspiration Award will be presented to four extraordinary nurses—Kim Garcia, RN; Sabrina Carrillo, RN; Jacquelyn Sanchez, RN; and Cheryl Malone, RN—for their compassionate care and resilience in the healthcare field. Longtime philanthropist Dick Shalhoub will be honored with the WLF Superman Award, acknowledging his remarkable generosity and lasting contributions to the Coachella Valley.
“These honorees are true visionaries whose service uplifts and inspires,” said WLF President Elle Oliver Edmonds. “They represent the heart of our mission—empowering women, celebrating community, and investing in the next generation of leaders.”
Indeed, the luncheon not only honors today’s leaders but also fuels the future. The event serves as a fundraiser for WLF’s Young Women Leaders Program, which supports ambitious young women in the Coachella Valley on their path to higher education. This year, 37 exceptional students will be awarded college scholarships, bringing WLF’s total scholarship support since its founding in 2001 to over $800,000.
For those looking to make an impact, there’s still time to get involved. Community members and businesses are invited to support WLF through sponsorships, raffle donations, or by funding a named scholarship.
Tickets for the luncheon are available now ($140 for WLF members, $175 for non-members). Proceeds directly benefit the scholarship fund and ensure that young women in the desert continue to rise, thrive, and lead.
To purchase tickets, donate, or explore sponsorship opportunities, visit www.wlfdesert.org.
