FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

Sonny Von Cleveland is the author of 'Hey White Boy, Conversations of Redemption' and is a renowned motivational speaker, leveraging his personal journey from sexual abuse and incarceration to inspire and heal others.

As a dedicated anti-bullying advocate, he collaborates with Boo2Bullying, a leading youth development and suicide prevention organization. Sonny is a sought-after mentor for disenfranchised youth in Southern California's juvenile facilities. His commitment to positive change extends to his role with the Anti-Recidivism Coalition in Los Angeles, where he champions re-entry coaching and activism.

Beyond this, Sonny founded The Von Cleveland Foundation, a nonprofit offering complimentary coaching, resources, and a nurturing environment for learning. Central to the foundation's ethos is transforming mindsets, catalyzing a shift from doubt to belief and from adversity to achievement.

He lives in Palm Springs, California, with his wife, Claire, and their two cats and dog, where they own and operate the Coachella Valley's first and only cat cafe: Frisky Business Palm Springs Cat Cafe.

DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING & GRANTS

Kelly Garcia is a steadfast advocate for transformative change, deeply rooted in the heart of Coachella Valley. A lifelong resident of this dynamic community, she has not only built a life and career here but also raised her six children, instilling in them the profound values of empathy and civic engagement.

With a solid foundation in Sales and Marketing, Kelly achieved significant success as a top-earning network marketer, showcasing her exceptional skills in communication and strategic relationship-building. Her academic journey is marked by the recent attainment of two associate degrees in Political Science and Sociology, reflecting her keen interest in societal structures and the intricacies of human interaction.

Recently accepted into the highly selective Interdisciplinary Leadership Bachelor's degree program at Cal Poly Humboldt State, Kelly is on a path to enhance her leadership skills and societal impact further. Although her professional pursuits have led her to the for-profit sector with a locally owned company, her heart truly belongs to the nonprofit world.

Serving as the Director of Grant Writing and Fundraising for The Von Cleveland Foundation, Kelly leverages her expertise to champion the causes of nonprofits, driving forward initiatives that resonate with her personal and professional ethos. This role is particularly meaningful to her as it aligns with her own life's narrative of resilience and redemption.

Having navigated through her own set of challenges, including a period of incarceration in a California State Prison, Kelly embodies the spirit of perseverance and hope. Her commitment to the Foundation's mission of supporting incarcerated individuals through personal development and coaching services is not just a professional duty but a personal crusade.

Kelly's journey is a testament to her unwavering resolve and compassion. Through her leadership at The Von Cleveland Foundation, she continues to inspire those around her, advocating for opportunities that enable individuals to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society.

TREASURER

Claire Rogers is the founder of iTopia Coaching & Consulting and is an award-winning keynote speaker and coach, focusing on mindset and mental health, as well as employee wellbeing, talent retention, productivity, and engagement within the corporate sphere.

With a rich background in corporate leadership, Claire previously served as a Director at a prominent Fortune 100 company in the United States. In this role, she adeptly managed a team of global account managers, overseeing a portfolio valued at $3 billion. This experience underlines her proficiency in high-stakes corporate management and strategy.

Claire holds an Honours Diploma in Advanced Travel and Tourism from the Canadian Travel College, a professional certificate from the University of California, Berkeley, in The Science of Happiness at Work, and a certificate from Harvard University focusing on Improving Businesses Through A Culture of Health. Her thought leadership is recognized widely, having been a featured speaker at conferences sponsored by esteemed organizations such as KPMG, Shell, LNG Canada, Encana, and the Royal Bank of Canada.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Claire is the proud owner of Frisky Business Springs Cat Café, the first of its kind in the Coachella Valley. Her entrepreneurial venture reflects her commitment to social responsibility, particularly in supporting and employing marginalized individuals.

Claire firmly upholds the belief that one's past does not dictate one's future and champions the notion that everyone deserves a life filled with joy, purpose, and fulfillment, irrespective of their background.

DIRECTOR

Connie Golds is a true champion of community empowerment and nonprofit success. She is a dedicated leader with a strong commitment to the Coachella Valley, particularly within organizations focused on community empowerment. Connie brings over three decades of experience serving and leading nonprofit boards, spanning local, regional, governmental appointments, and national levels.

As the founder of Desert Best Friend’s Closet (DBFC), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals through interview training and wardrobe services, Connie has led DBFC for 14 years.

Under her guidance, the organization has positively impacted over 8,000 community members, grown from a volunteer startup to a thriving entity with a $300,000 budget, and remains a beacon of support for those in need.

Connie is a storytelling expert in the nonprofit sector, with a track record of securing donor support and showcasing an organization’s impact. Her achievements include winning first place at Desert Fast Pitch in 2019 and taking second place in 2016. She also trained the 2023 Desert Fast Pitch cohort in nonprofit storytelling.

In her role as Director of NPO Centric, Connie developed innovative programs and a new business plan, reducing membership fees, enhancing benefits, and creating programs like NPO- on-the-Go; and the Executive Director Cohort. She fostered collaborative relationships, assessed organizational needs, and maintained a directory of qualified consultants to benefit the nonprofit community.

Connie Golds boasts a proven track record of unwavering dedication and service to the Coachella Valley, especially within organizations focused on uplifting and empowering community members.

Connie was a Girl Scout Leader for 13 years. As a Black Belt in Shito Ryu Karate, Connie also coaches youths in Karate. A resident of the Coachella for 40 years, she is guided by the belief that she can leave the world “a little better than she found it” – and is an inspiration to everyone she meets to do the same.

DIRECTOR

Matthew McLeroy stands as a paragon of professional acumen and personal dedication within the realm of finance. His academic credentials span an impressive array of disciplines, including Business, Marketing, and Social and Behavioral Sciences, endowing him with a multifaceted perspective that is invaluable in his professional endeavors.

It is not merely his expertise that sets Matthew apart; it is the unique synergy of his personal narrative intertwined with his professional role. Having traversed his own challenging journey, Matthew approaches his work with profound empathy and a nuanced understanding of adversity. This personal connection to the struggles of others renders him not just a financial professional but a compassionate and relatable advocate for those he serves.

In his pivotal role focused on community relationship building and client programming, Matthew’s contributions are more than just transactions; they are transformative interactions that foster growth and stability. His commitment is a cornerstone in the pursuit of the organization's vision, proving that when professionalism is paired with personal experience, the impact can be truly remarkable.

SECRETARY

Sofia Saenz is a beacon of resilience and hope in the Coachella Valley, where her roots run deep and her impact is profound. At 44, she is not only a mother to five and a grandmother to two but a guiding force for countless youth as a dedicated youth development program specialist with the Boys & Girls Club of Coachella Valley. For over a decade, Sofia has been an integral part of this organization, pouring her heart into the New Beginnings program, a haven for young girls in need of unconditional love, support, and a path to healing.

With her husband, she co-leads the Old to New support group at their church, driven by a shared commitment to lift others from despair to promise. Sofia's life is a testament to the power of transformation. Her journey from homelessness, addiction, and incarceration to a life filled with purpose and service is nothing short of miraculous. She embodies the very essence of second chances and the unwavering belief that anyone can rise above their circumstances.

Sofia's message is one of unyielding optimism: she has navigated through darkness to a life filled with light and now dedicates herself to ensuring others find their way too. Her story is a powerful reminder that with faith, support, and the courage to change, new beginnings are always possible. Sofia Saenz is not just a survivor; she is a source of inspiration, a mentor, and a living evidence that hope is an unstoppable force.