Local women leaders and WLF man of the year honored at ‘Women Who Rule’ Awards & Scholarship Luncheon

The Women Leaders Forum of the Coachella valley honored local women and one "man of the year."

The organization held its annual "Women Who Rule" luncheon Friday afternoon.

Proceeds raised at the luncheon go directly towards college scholarships for the best and brightest enrolled in WLF's Young Women Leaders Mentoring Program, with up to a $30,000 match from ONE-Future Coachella Valley. In addition, long-time WLF member Charissa Farley-Hay has pledged to match up to $5,000 of the donations that come into the website at www.wlfdesert.org.

"With that money, many of them for the first time in their family are able to go to college. So we're proud to put together this money. We're proud to support these young girls coming out of such really rough and tough times, really giving them the tools in their tool chest that they'll need for their future," said Jenell Vandenbos, president of the Women Leaders Forum of the Coachella Valley

The event was emceed by KESQ News Channel 3's Laurilie Jackson and the City of Indio's Brooke Beare and kick off with an elegant champagne reception followed by a noon awards program and luncheon.

This year's nominees include:

• Debbie Espinosa, CEO of FIND Food Bank of the Coachella Valley - "Mary T. Roche Community Leadership Award."
• Calista Vassios and Rhea Hoffman, founders of Vaccinate Inland Empire, also known as "Vaxie”  - WLF Visionary Award.
• Haley Clawson, Chief Meteorologist, KESQ News Channel 3 - "WLF Inspiration Award."  
• Tim Leiweke, CEO of Oakview Group - WLF Man of the Year Award. 

"Debbie Espinosa, Calista Vassios, Rhea Hoffmann and Haley Clawson serve as shining inspirations and tremendous role models for the accomplished members of Women Leaders Forum and the young women we mentor," said WLF President Jenell VandenBos. "In addition, we are incredibly excited to pay tribute to this year’s WLF Super Man, Tim Leiweke, CEO of Oakview Group, who will soon become one of the largest employers of women in the Coachella Valley.

The Title Sponsor of this year's event is the well-known Coachella Valley law firm SBEMP.

“SBEMP is a proud supporter of Women Leaders Forum of the Coachella Valley and we are  thrilled to be this year’s presenting sponsor of Women Who Rule,” said attorney Renell Burch, a partner with SBEMP. “This year’s slate of honorees continue to reach the highest levels of achievement in their profession and we are incredibly thankful for their leadership, vision and passionate commitment to making the Coachella Valley a better place.” 

Women Leaders Forum was founded in 2001 by former Indian Wells Mayor and Councilmember, Mary T. Roche, over the last 20 plus years, WLF has raised more than $700,000 for college scholarships for members of its Young Women Leaders Mentoring Program.

For more information about WLF membership, programs events, or to make a scholarship donation, visit www.wlfdesert.org.