Women Who Make the Desert Sing
From the Desk of Sweet Baby J’ai
Women don’t just make history — we make culture.
We write it in melodies, shape it in classrooms, defend it in libraries, and build it in boardrooms and community spaces. Culture doesn’t appear out of thin air. It is crafted by people who care enough to lead, to create, and to leave the door open a little wider for the next generation.
That spirit is exactly what Women’s History Month invites us to celebrate.
Here in the desert, we’re fortunate to witness women doing extraordinary work every day. That’s why the Constellation Awards Womyn’s History Month Brunch holds such a special place in our hearts. This year we honor women whose leadership is shaping our region in powerful ways: Chairwoman Amanda Augustine, whose leadership of the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians strengthens tribal sovereignty and community partnership; Karen Frison and Delois Leonard, whose work through Women of Color creates space for advocacy and connection; Patty Henderson, a steadfast civic leader and champion for community progress; Dr. Skye Patrick, Los Angeles County Librarian and a national voice for intellectual freedom; Joy Silver, a tireless advocate for housing and social justice; and Christine Vendredi, whose leadership at the Palm Springs Art Museum nurtures arts and cultural access across the valley.
And while we’re celebrating remarkable women, we also want to send a heartfelt congratulations to our friends and shero’s receiving Visionary Awards tonight from The L-Fund. A special shout-out to Valerie Milano, along with fellow honorees Mei Ling Tom, and Imani Rupert-Gordon, nationally recognized leaders advancing LGBTQ rights across the country. We celebrate the work each of you continues to do uplifting women, strengthening community, and expanding visibility and opportunity for LGBTQ voices.
All of these women remind us that leadership isn’t abstract — it lives in the work we do for one another.
And when women lead with vision, compassion, and courage, the culture around us doesn’t just grow.
It sings.
