Dear WLF Family,  ​As I step into the President’s role, I am filled with gratitude for the women who built this organization, the Board and Advisory Board who have so generously welcomed and prepared new leadership, and for every volunteer who shows up with heart and purpose.  ​For those who don’t know me, I came to this role through Communications last season and Membership the year before. Those two years gave me an appreciation for what our members expect from WLF and the dedication it takes to make this organization thrive. This organization was built for all of us, and we carry it forward together. ​This season, I am calling us to invest into our Roots and challenging us to Reach further than we ever have before. ​Our Roots WLF was founded by Mary T. Roche, a woman leader who navigated a world largely led by men. She sought out other smart, ambitious women who could support and encourage one another. Together they created the space that became WLF. ​Today, women have a stronger voice and fill more leadership roles than ever before. And yet we still need one another. For encouragement, growth, and deep meaningful relationships that help us truly thrive.   ​Our roots are every woman who has ever been part of this community, and they deepen every time a new woman walks through the door. Our Reach Our reach is the direction we are growing: outward, forward, and deeper into our community. We reach when we invite a new woman into this circle, when we show up for a young woman who needs a mentor, a scholarship, an opportunity, and when we bring our collective voice to the issues shaping life in our valley.  ​Mary T. Roche built this organization to create a space that empowers women leaders. Our reach is the promise to keep expanding that space: for the women here today, those not yet in the room, and for the next generation. ​Our Commitment to Members My goal is for WLF to be the place where you find your people. I have found some of my dearest friends through this organization — a circle of women who lift me up, make me laugh, challenge me to grow, and show up when it matters. My hope for every woman in WLF is that she finds that same sense of belonging. ​This season, every member event is designed with intention: to help you connect with one another, build meaningful relationships, and walk away having learned something insightful. We want you to leave energized — with new contacts, new ideas, and new friendships. ​Our Commitment to Young Women Leaders Our members and Young Women Leaders are two parts of our successful organizational story. Our investment in the next generation is an extension of who we are, and our commitment to the community. It is all one vision. Roots and reach. ​The YWL program represents everything WLF stands for. Each year, we partner with extraordinary young women across our valley, providing mentorship, leadership experiences, and scholarships that can truly change the trajectory of a life. We are committed to expanding that work and finding meaningful ways for every member to be part of it. ​By May 2027, we want to stand together at Women Who Rule and celebrate the full story of this year's cohort. ​A Call to Action Here is something I believe: we get more out of this when we put more in. My challenge to you this season is simple: show up 10% more. Take a slightly bigger risk. Be a little more open. Lean in just a little closer than feels comfortable. It doesn’t require much to get involved, every small act makes a big impact.  ✦  Introduce yourself.  Strike up a conversation with someone new, every great friendship starts with a first hello, and I want to meet every one of you. ✦  Invite someone.  Think of the women in your life who belong here and bring them.  Our membership grows one invitation at a time. ✦  Join a committee.  Help shape the events and experiences that make WLF what it is, we are actively welcoming new members and your ideas and energy matter. ✦  Get involved with YWL.  Become a mentor, attend YWL events, donate and invest in the next generation of leaders; wherever your heart calls you, there is a place for you in this work. We are better together — and that has always been true here. I am confident in this season because of the people around us. Our board and committees are  experienced, dedicated, and growing. And our members — you — are the reason WLF has always been something worth showing up for. Together, let's grow our Roots and Reach. With gratitude, Vikki Dorsey President, Women Leaders Forum of the Coachella Valley  2026 – 2027 Season