Cindy values meeting the needs of others, as shown by her leadership of the Today’s Woman Foundation and her role as a grief counselor. She takes to heart the admonition to “love one another” and finds joy in sharing her life experiences, training, and education to support some of the most vulnerable women and families in the community.
She expresses her gratitude to the Today’s Woman Foundation’s board of directors, ambassadors, and volunteers for dedicating their time, talent, and passion to supporting the organization’s projects aimed at fostering personal and professional growth for residents in the high desert. She stated, “I thrive in a team environment because of the collective brainpower. When the ego is set aside, miracles are bound to happen!”
Cindy holds a Master of Science degree in Studies of Human Behavior and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. She’s also a Certified Fellow in Grief Counseling (FAACG) with the American Academy of Grief Counseling of Health Care Professionals (AIHCP) and a Certified Crisis Counselor and Advocate for sexual assault survivors with Partners Against Violence. She is registered with a mental health EAP provider and can provide counseling to employees during times of tragedy. Although not actively practicing, Cindy is a licensed real estate broker with the California Department of Real Estate. Prior to her career in the non-profit sector, Cindy managed a prominent real estate franchise, where she played a pivotal role in supporting the growth of fellow real estate salespersons’ businesses.
She moved to the High Desert over twenty years ago and treasures time with family and friends.
Melanie is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator with over three decades of experience specializing in Medical Nutrition Therapy for disease prevention, treatment, and health promotion. Throughout her career in the high desert , and now into her retirement, she has remained unwavering in her commitment to encouraging individuals, families, and communities to achieve better health through reliable, evidence-based nutritional guidance.
Guided by a profound belief in the transformative power of community service, Melanie continues to dedicate herself to improving the well-being of others. As a writer and speaker, she actively shares her expertise in public forums, fostering health education and inspiring meaningful, positive changes.
Melanie’s dedication to service aligns seamlessly with the mission of Today’s WomenFoundation (TWF). She feels privileged to work alongside an extraordinary team of board members, ambassadors, and community partners who exemplify excellence in their efforts to uplift and empower the community. Her passion for service was shaped by the values instilled by her parents and is deeply rooted in her Christian faith, as well as the love and support of her husband and family. Personally, Melanie prioritizes maintaining a healthy, joyful lifestyle and embracing the humor and grace found in everyday life.
Mona is a Senior Executive Assistant with Prime Healthcare Services, and she currently serves as TWF board Secretary, a position she’s held for the past several years. Her passion for the work of TWF grows stronger each year and she is honored to work with the TWF team to expand its programs to serve women in the community. TWF’s Bundles of Hope project and the “Empowering Women for Self-Sufficiency” program are two of Mona’s favorites.
We couldn’t do the work we do without an incredible team. As an organization, we do everything we can to serve the women that seek the support of the Today’s Woman Foundation.
Together, we have built a culture of genuine caring for colleagues and the people we serve. Every day, we work toward our mission by doing our very best and living out our core values.
Margaret has been a Board member for Today’s Woman Foundation since 2017.
She has held various positions within the organization. Margaret retired from Public Service in 2014 after serving for over 38 years in Human Resources. Upon her retirement, she began her small quilting business where she is committed to her passion. Margaret and her husband, Smitty, have been involved in community service since moving to the high desert in 1988. They love the high desert and love the organizations they serve.
Margherita is the Controller for Desert Physicians Management, LLC, and has served on the board as Treasurer for TWF since 2011. She passionately believes in the work the organization does for the community, specifically the inspiration, education, and support provided to an ever-increasing number of local women. Margherita is grateful to serve alongside the “amazing” group of board members and ambassadors.
Renee is currently a student completing a B.S. in Biology. Her goal is to pursue a career working with the underserved population as a mental healthcare provider. Since 2015 she has volunteered with TWF, March of Dimes, Lifestream, and hospice organizations. Renee raised over $20K for March of Dimes and collected over 200 pints of blood for Lifestream. As a proud single mom, she credits her daughter Addie (Lady Bug) for inspiring her resilience.
Millie is Chairperson for the TWF Bundles of Hope Project. Millie’s former leadership roles with the San Diego City Council and Cox Communications, she brings a wonderful skill set enabling her to engage with the many project volunteers who want to “give back” to the community. She is also very involved in the Solera at Apple Valley Community Association where she serves on several committees.
Jessica, consultant director for Bellview Hospice, has over 30 years of experience supporting seniors in nursing, assisted living, and hospice. Passionate about finding solutions for seniors, she also serves as an Ambassador for the High Desert Chamber and co-chaired An Evening Affair. Jessica previously led the Grand Terrace Chamber and contributed to the St. Mary Foundation Gala.
Edda is a retired volunteer at Solera in Apple Valley and an Ambassador for TWF. She previously worked at Chicago O’Hare for Lufthansa and owned an art and collectibles store. Edda finds joy in helping others, especially through the Bundles of Hope Project, where she co-leads workshops to decorate and fill boxes.
Heidi gives back through teaching at Rock’n Our Disabilities and leading the Soaring Eagles Group. A teacher with experience in special needs, she’s also a Scoutmaster for Troop 5679. Her son earned his Eagle Rank with the Bundles of Hope Project. A breast cancer survivor since 2019, Heidi understands the project’s impact firsthand.
Brisa Alfaro, a Pons Stroke and Locked-In Syndrome survivor, supports TWF’s mission to empower women. She’s an international bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and coach, guiding others to break through limitations and unlock possibilities. Brisa inspires globally through talks, TV appearances, and coaching, helping people achieve big results with small moves – Pinky Moves™.
Lydia Garcia-Usry, a lifelong High Desert resident, holds a Doctorate in Nursing from Azusa Pacific University. After 36 years as a Public Health Nurse, she now teaches at Azusa Pacific. Married for 45 years, she has one daughter and four grandchildren. Lydia is passionate about community health and educating future nurses to improve population health.
Brigit Bennington, a Hesperia resident for 42 years, has over 34 years of public service experience. Appointed to Hesperia City Council in 2020, she champions community safety and quality of life. Brigit represents Hesperia in regional organizations, serves on key boards, and volunteers at High Desert Church, staying active in community events and local initiatives.
Our Mission:
Empower our diverse community of women through education, advocacy, and resources to enhance body, mind, and spirit.
Through our work in the community, we remain committed to listening and learning from the women we serve.