By Chris Clemens and Tracy Dietlin
Palm Springs Life, in partnership with Presenting Sponsor Agua Caliente Casinos, recently unveiled the 2025 ‘40 Under 40’ list, spotlighting the Coachella Valley’s most influential and inspiring young leaders shaping the region’s future. From hospitality and civic changemakers to nonprofits, entrepreneurs, innovators, and more, the 2025 cohort represents a vibrant cross-section of talent, ambition, and impact. This generation of desert leaders were celebrated at a private event on Wednesday, October 15, at the Thompson Hotel in downtown Palm Springs.
This prestigious recognition honors individuals under the age of 40 who are making meaningful contributions in local government, the local business sector, and among valley organizations. Selected through a nomination and vetting process, each honoree exemplifies leadership, creativity, and a deep commitment to the local community. The ‘40 under 40’ recognition began in 2006 and is held every three to four years. The full list of honorees will be profiled in the October 2025 issue of Palm Springs Life, and can also be found at www.palmspringslife/40-under-40.
The whole CV Weekly team would like to Congratulate our Head Feature Writer, Crystal Harrell, on being chosen as one of the 40 Under 40 for Palm Springs Life.
Harrell is an amazing young woman that balances many jobs and titles aside from CV Weekly, such as being the Senior Promotions Producer at KESQ News Channel 3.
She is also a member of PSWIFT and donates her time to several charities.
“I felt so honored and humbled when I first found out! To even be considered among such highly regarded Coachella Valley professionals and innovative leaders—some of which I have had the privilege to work alongside—is something that I am absolutely blown away by. I am so incredibly appreciative that Palm Springs Life Magazine included me in this 40 Under 40 edition, and all the wonderful people who nominated me,” shared Harrell.
Harrell said that being selected for this special distinction has made her treasure the Coachella Valley community even more. “Seeing all my fellow honorees who were spotlighted also makes me excited for the future of our community, as our Valley industries are in very good hands with these young movers and shakers.”
“As a Coachella Valley native born and raised in Greater Palm Springs, I am grateful to have the opportunity to share the important voices and characters that make up the cultural narrative of our oasis through storytelling in multiple mediums. I believe everyone has a story worth sharing and there’s always someone who wants to listen. Thank you, to those reading this write-up or any article I’ve contributed, for being that someone.”
Harrell said she was genuinely surprised at how many people had nominated her.
“Little did I know that several people I wholeheartedly respect and admire nominated me. I want to give a heartfelt thank you to the hands and hearts that have lifted me up and supported my creative journey through the years—and continue to inspire my growth every day.
Tracy Dietlin: “You are the fairy godmother that gave me my first published byline after college, and serving as head feature writer for Coachella Valley Weekly has opened so many amazing doors in my media career these last six years. Getting to meet all the talented local musicians, artists, small business owners, and movers and shakers that form the cultural tapestry of our Valley has been an absolute joy. I look forward to the next chapter of CV Weekly as it transitions to the digital age, and I am so thankful for you and Phil Lacombe—as your passion for community and spotlighting local voices is truly nurturing and inspiring.”
“My former Creative Director and also forever-mentor, Kent Kay: “You have truly been a formative part of my professional growth as a Senior Promotions Producer at KESQ News Channel 3. You taught me how to push myself towards my full creative potential—showing me a different kind of storytelling I had never exercised. Never in my life did I think I would fulfill my dream of working at the Desert’s News Leader as an Adobe-certified graphic artist, script writer, videographer, and most importantly, storyteller helping elevate Valley voices behind-the-scenes with news that matters—but you believed in my ability all along these last three years. You are a mentor that very few have the privilege to meet, and I’m so glad I did.”
Laura Hunt Little: “You are a bright light of charisma, creativity, and a colossal beacon of support. Thank you for all of the advice and guidance you have given me as I have transitioned from a career in education to media—all the while welcoming me into your family as a daughter-in-law. Your ability to organize, manage, and craft all of your engaging pursuits to fruition is the stuff of dreams.”
Harrell continues: “I would also like to extend my gratitude to my Hi-Desert Star Newspaper editor Stacy Moore for being a magnificent role model as a woman in print media. You are a force to be reckoned with as you tackle a monumental work load on a daily basis, but you do it with a calm and grace that I aspire to have one day. Thank you for making me a reporter in 2021 and letting me explore and engage with the colorful community of the Morongo Basin.”
“Special thanks to the faculty and staff at College of the Desert, California State University, San Bernardino Palm Desert Campus, and CSUSB for guiding me through my educational journey as a first-generation college student and showing me how I could contribute to my hometown in an industry I love.”
“Immense gratitude also goes to my fellow Palm Springs Women in Film and Television Board members, who have been so welcoming and knowledgeable as I take on the role of Chair of the Marketing committee. You are a wonderful group of creative professionals I look forward to collaborating with on future adventures in film!”
“Above all, I want to give the biggest thanks to my family, for motivating me every single day and encouraging me to be the best that I can be. Kurt Schawacker, you are the love of my life. Your patience, understanding, compassion, and kindness has given me a safe place to treasure and thrive with certainty. Our collaborative adventures have made my heart so full and watching us shine together is the life I always wanted with the best husband by my side.”
“My parents and brother hold my deepest thanks, as they saw all of my hopes and dreams growing up, and encouraged me to fly. All those nights of homework help at the kitchen table, all those drives to and from class or journalism assignments, and all those heartfelt talks about it being okay to make mistakes—my family is my lifeline. I try to make them proud every day as I go through life with the openness, work ethic, and dedication they taught me to hold in my heart. I love you all so much. Thank you.”
CV Weekly would like to Congratulate all that were selected especially a few of our CV Weekly favorites including Caleb Cruz, Gisell Woo, Jessica Mediano, Even Pivnick and Josiah Gonzalez.
For additional information visit www.palmspringslife.com.
