Leadership
PRESIDENT Cara Van Dijk
Cara is a writer, publicist and media professional with more than 30 years of experience in television, journalism and strategic communications. Her television career includes serving as a reporter, producer and news executive in Palm Springs, including at KESQ News Channel 3. One of the original team members of CBS Local 2, she was the first producer of the feature program Eye on the Desert. She also worked on-air in Oregon and Georgia, building a diverse background in broadcast journalism and production. Today, Cara is an independent communications consultant specializing in media relations, public engagement and publicity, primarily for nonprofit organizations. She is also a frequent contributor to The Desert Sun. A creative writer, Cara wrote the original jukebox musical Palm Springs Getaway, which was produced at Palm Canyon Theatre for two seasons. Her creative interests also include developing screenplays, television series concepts and children's books. |
SECRETARY/COMM. CHAIR Stephanie D. Greene Stephanie is a seasoned marketing, public relations, and communications strategist with more than 40 years of experience building brands, developing creative campaigns, and connecting businesses and organizations with their audiences. She founded FG Creative in 2002 and has worked with a diverse portfolio of clients, including major Southern California shopping destinations, luxury retailers, hospitality and entertainment venues, and nonprofit organizations. A passionate advocate for the creative arts and the Coachella Valley community, Stephanie brings her expertise in strategic communications, media relations, and brand development to Palm Springs Women in Film & Television. In addition to serving as Board Secretary, she is actively involved in PSWIFT's Filmmakers Lab, including serving as Writer and Co-Director of the short film Drafting. Stephanie is dedicated to elevating the visibility of PSWIFT, celebrating its talented members, and supporting opportunities for women in film, television, and the creative arts. |
CFO/TREASURER Laura Greenlee Laura is a veteran film production leader currently working in the accounting department on a Yellowstone spinoff. A former line producer and unit production manager, she’s known for translating creative vision into practical plans, budgets, and schedules—pivoting seamlessly between producing and production finance. Select credits include line producing Mi Familia (My Family) and Mallrats; co-producer credits on Dogma and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back; co-producer on The Deep End; and unit production manager/co-producer on A Better Life. |
Aurora Cady Aurora is co-founder/producer at Bad Witches Productions; writer–producer of the upcoming short Vessel (and Unseen); and researcher/writer for the Murdered and Missing News true-crime podcast—championing femme-driven, resource-savvy filmmaking. |
MEMBER
FILMMAKERS LAB CHAIR Kim Waltrip Kim is a producer/director best known for The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby, starring Jessica Chastain, Viola Davis, James McAvoy, William Hurt, — Hit & Run starring Dax Shepard, Kristin Bell, Bradley Cooper - Back in the Day, 7 Days to Vegas among others. A past president of Palm Springs Women in Film & Television, Kim founded PSWIFT’s Filmmakers Lab, which was renamed in her honor in 2024. Her broader slate spans narrative and nonfiction projects such as Adopt a Sailor, An Evergreen Christmas, A Very Mary Christmas, I Didn’t Come Here to Die, and the PBS special Diahann Carroll: The Lady, The Music, The Legend—reflecting a career that bridges festival artistry and audience-friendly storytelling. |
MEMBER Maile Klein A PSWIFT board member since 2022, Maile is a Coachella Valley photographer, journalist, and adjunct professor at College of the Desert, with credits across regional theatre and media. She also volunteers with Palm Springs Pride’s Photography Committee. |
EVENTS CHAIR Silva Mirzoian Silva became involved with PSWIFT in 2024 as an Executive Producer for the Filmmakers Lab production of EXIT INTERVIEW. Author of Jump-Start Your Life, she’s a lifestyle “Dream Weaver” producer bridging empowerment media and film. |
Committee Chairs and Advisory Council
SCHOLARSHIP CHAIR Patti Gribow is a respected producer, communicator, and longtime advocate for women in media. Currently as a voice-over actor, she’s known for bringing each client’s vision to life with authenticity, clarity, and nuance. As a former President of PSWIFT, Patti played a key leadership role in strengthening the organization’s programs and community presence. Her credits include hosting and producing The Patti Gribow Show, among other projects. Patti is also deeply committed to youth empowerment — she was co-founder of the Ophelia Project of Coachella Valley, which uplifts adolescent girls in building self-worth and confidence. |
MEMBERSHIP CHAIR Elli Tourjé is a dedicated REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties — Indian Wells, specializing in luxury and lifestyle properties across the Coachella Valley. She transitioned into real-estate after a rich and varied career in film, television, radio and corporate communications.With roots in broadcast journalism, Elli worked in radio hosting and voice acting, honing her ability to connect with audiences and tell stories via sound. She also has experience in television production and acted as a voice actor — bringing her comfort in front of and behind the camera to her client-service work. |  ADVISORY COUNCIL Kate Spates is a former President of PSWIFT. She is the Executive Director of the One Valley Foundation, which is the charitable arm of the Coachella Valley Firebirds. She is a successful entrepreneur in the digital marketing space for 20 years, Kate has led several teams of professionals to create award-winning marketing materials and have affected revolutionary change through process automation and marketing to businesses and organizations throughout the Coachella Valley and beyond. |
ADVISORY COUNCIL Andrea Carter is a former President of PSWIFT. Andrea Carter & Associates, a La Quinta-based marketing and public relations company, helps clients spice up their marketing efforts. Principal Andrea Carter has 20 years of marketing and PR experience working for big-market agencies and national organizations, as well as non-profits and small businesses. Andrea partners with a variety of “Associates” for marketing skills not in her ‘pantry’ of capabilities – including graphic design, web design & development, photography, TV production and online advertising. |
Interested in volunteering on a committee? Complete this form
Platinum CircleAlexandra SheldonPhilanthropy Leanna Bonamici In Memoriam, Founder PSWIFT Pattie Daly Caruso Denise DuBarry Hay Jackie Lee Houston Rozene Supple | Past Presidents
Leanna Bonamici (founder) |