LIVE Magazine #251 Feb 10 2017

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR WOMEN LEADERS FORUM
“WOMEN WHO RULE” AWARDS LUNCHEON
Susie Harvey, Jan Salta, Dr. Sharon Brown-Welty and Melissa Neiderman
to Be Recognized at 5th Annual Fundraiser
Tickets are on sale now for the Women Leaders Forum (WLF)
of the Coachella Valley’s 5th Annual “Women Who Rule”
Awards Luncheon and Scholarship Fundraiser presented by
Desert Regional Medical Center. Susie Harvey, Jan Salta, Dr.
Sharon Brown-Welty, and Melissa Neiderman will be honored
for their extraordinary community leadership, public service,
commitment to education and visionary entrepreneurship on
Friday, February 3, 2017 at Agua Caliente Resort Spa (32250
Bob Hope Drive).
This spectacular valley-wide celebration pays tribute to women achieving
the highest level of success and those making a difference in our
community. The event begins at 11 a.m. with an elegant reception and
silent auction, followed by a 12 p.m. awards program and lunch.
All proceeds from the luncheon, and a matching donation from Pathways
to Success, 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.
“Each one of the honorees chosen has exemplified a dedication to our
community and serving others,” said Event Chair Mahasti Islami. “We are
honored to recognize them as women who rule.”
Luncheon ticket prices are $85 for WLF members, $95 for non-members
and $800 for tables of ten. For more information on the event or to
purchase tickets, please visit www.wlfdesert.org.
Melissa Neiderman
Jan Salta
This year’s remarkable “Women Who Rule” includes the following
recipients:
“WLF Desert Visionary Award” – Susie Harvey
As a founder of Leadership Coachella Valley and of the All Valley
Legislative Committee, Susie Harvey has been vital in developing leaders
in our desert communities. Susie received both her Bachelor of Arts and
Master of Arts from Whittier College and is a graduate of Institute for
Organization Management - US Chamber of Commerce. She has been
involved with non-profit organizations her entire life and was employed as
a professional non-profit manager from 1981 until her retirement in 2006.
Susie has served in leadership roles in professional organizations for
both college/university development and chambers of commerce. Susie
was recently named Palm Desert Citizen of the Year by the Palm Desert
Area Chamber of Commerce and received Greater Coachella Valley’s
Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Leadership Award. Since retirement,
Susie has enjoyed extra time for travel, spending time with her husband,
four children and four grandchildren. She still manages to find to serve
on several non-profit boards including Desert Best Friend’s Closet,
the Family YMCA of the Desert, the JFK Foundation, Sterling Cove
Homeowners Association and until 2014, Leadership Coachella Valley.
“Mary T. Roche Community Leadership Award” – Jan Salta
Jan Salta’s philanthropy is well known in the Coachella Valley, but her
charitable heart touches many charities in Orange County, L.A. County,
and even her home town of Des Moines, Iowa. She serves as President
and Chairman of the M. F. Salta Company as well as the Jan and Mike
Salta Foundation which are both based in Irvine, California. In 1974 she
moved to Palm Desert, where she met her husband Mike of 34 years until
his death in 2014. Jan currently sits on the boards of the Palm Springs
Art Museum, Eisenhower Medical Center, Palm Springs Film Festival
and McCallum Theater. Jan looks forward to continuing her charitable
work and encouraging the next generation to donate their time and open
up their check books to help make this world a little better for those who
haven’t been as lucky as her.
“Helene Galen Excellence Education Award” – Dr. Sharon Brown-Welty
Dr. Sharon Brown -Welty is a leader, a visionary, and an experienced
education expert. Sharon came to the Coachella Valley in July 2014
when she was appointed as the Dean of Cal State San Bernardino’s
Palm Desert Campus. Dr. Brown-Welty brought with her the personal
mission to educate the young scholars of the Coachella Valley about
Sharon Brown-Welty
the value of earning a higher education and maintaining that access
and a vision for academic programs which directly benefit the region’s
economic development. With bachelor’s and master’s degrees from
Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and an educational doctorate in
higher education administration and policy studies, Brown-Welty served
in a number of positions at Fresno State and at Indiana University of
Pennsylvania. Dr. Brown-Welty exemplifies excellence in the field of
education as an accomplished writer, editor, reviewer and presenter
of educational leadership. Dr. Brown-Welty extends her passion to
community service as well – she actively volunteers on several local
committees and is a strong leader in the World Affairs Council. Sharon
is married to Dr. John D. Welty, President Emeritus, Fresno State, and
together they have 5 children and 6 grandchildren.
“WLF Inspiration Award” – Melissa Neiderman
Susan Harvey
Melissa Neiderman is known for her big heart and humble willingness to
help those in need. She has spent much of her life trying to help others.
Melissa was a teacher for 21 years, leading children to look beyond the
school walls to lend a hand. She helped create an annual walk-a-thon
at the Palm Valley School in Rancho Mirage to raise funds to benefit
local charities. Since retiring from teaching, she has become a full-time
volunteer for the American Cancer Society in Palm Desert, serving as
Event chair, Advisory chair, Leadership Council member, and Community
Engagement Volunteer. Melissa spearheaded the high-profile fundraising
effort for Desi Cechin, a young local girl who was diagnosed with Stage
4 neuroblastoma. Melissa founded and now serves on the Board for the
Desi Strong Foundation. She has also been a part of the ACT for MS
Christmas Tree Lane Committee, volunteers for other charities such as
Loving All Animals, and has led fundraisers for the homeless.
About Women Leaders Forum of the Coachella Valley:
Founded in 2001 by Indian Wells City Council member Mary T.
Roche, the mission of Women Leaders Forum of the Coachella
Valley is to empower and develop women leaders of all ages and
backgrounds in our community. Women Leaders Forum has raised
more than $500,000 in college scholarship funds for the best and
brightest enrolled in the Young Women Leaders Mentoring Program
seeking higher education.