When Kristin Bloomer left her native Palm Springs for Boston University, she never thought she’d return — until she realized how much she loves this community.

Dr. Athena Brasfield founded Coachella Valley Optometry after discovering a void of services in the East Valley community.

After launching his real estate company in Concepción, Chile, in the 1980s, Claudio Bravo’s father expanded the firm to the Coachella Valley.

The L.A. native came to the desert as a rebellious teen
 and never left. Ryan Campbell always knew he’d make his living through art.

At Eventscape, Briana DeAztlan plans everything from concert parties to weddings and works on major events like the BNP Paribas Open. 


Tizoc DeAztlan was born and raised in the Coachella Valley, and after moving away for a decade he realized, “This is home.”

Robert Downing came to the desert from his native San Francisco in 2009 in search of endless sunshine and a more satisfying quality of life.

“People underestimate you” when you’re a young attorney, Katelyn Empey says, but she uses that to her advantage.

As the Coachella Valley Water District’s youngest-ever director, Katie has navigated through her share of skeptics.

Dennis Flaig, general manager at Saks Fifth Avenue, is as passionate about local prosperity as he is about helping guests dress fashionably.