Visionary Voices: How I'm Building This

Get ready to jumpstart your inspiration and join us as we kick off our workshop series, Visionary Voices. This month, you'll be immersed in the captivating stories of young entrepreneurs who are making waves right here in Palm Springs. And, these aren't your average business enthusiasts; they're trailblazers with unique gifts that are revolutionizing our community. And guess what? They're still growing, constantly pushing the boundaries of their craft. 

Wondering who's gracing our stage? Hold onto your hats, because we've rounded up a lineup pretty sensational.

Nia Ruth, Few & Far:

Nia Ruth is an entrepreneur in the wine industry, changing things up by putting quality and experience first. Her wine club and shop, Few & Far, focuses on sourcing small production, low-intervention wines that highlight the characteristics of the grapes and the land the grapes were grown in. She also provides wine for events large and small, hosts curated wine tastings, and more. But her path to the wine industry was anything but linear - she obtained a PhD in psychology before starting a career in research and evaluation, working on poverty reduction, early childhood education, and youth development evaluation programs at a small research and evaluation firm. Nia started taking wine courses and writing about wine as a hobby after the transition from graduate school to the corporate world left her with more free time. Her passion for wine grew over the years, and in the fall of 2021 she took the leap and launched Few & Far!

Vincent Sandoval, Vincent Sandoval Palm Springs Pet Photography:

Vincent Sandoval embarked on a captivating journey capturing the essence of animals after a heart-wrenching loss. Having adopted Magnolia, an 8-year-old Aussie from the shelter, their time together was tragically cut short by cancer, leaving only a scant two photos as cherished memories. This poignant realization sparked a profound mission: to grant every pet owner the gift of exquisite, timeless portraits of their beloved companions, so was born Vincent Sandoval Palm Springs Pet Photography. With a photography style that reveres genuine, unadulterated moments of everyday life, Vincent's work showcases the beauty in imperfections, embracing the uninterrupted flow of emotions. Aptly described as cinematic stills, their portraits transport viewers into a world where natural, raw sentiment is meticulously preserved frame by frame. An unspoken bond exists between kindred spirits who share an unwavering adoration for animals. It's the shared secret of endearing dog voices and the devoted pet blankets at restaurants that instantly identifies them. These are the individuals the Vincent cherishes collaborating with—the ones who understand the depth of love for their furry companions. 

Kattie Givens, Palm Springs Based Realtor:

Kattie Givens, a native of Palm Springs, is a driven and accomplished professional with a deep-rooted passion for the world of business. Having embarked on an exhilarating journey beyond the desert, Kattie pursued her education at California Baptist University as a college athlete, emerging with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, poised to conquer new horizons.

During her formative years in college, Kattie had a serendipitous encounter with a local real estate agent, igniting a spark within her that would shape her future path. Now, 12 years later, she fearlessly pursues her aspirations in the real estate realm, determined to leave an indelible mark on the industry. In 2018, Kattie obtained her realtor's license, marking the beginning of her professional journey. However, it was last November, upon the renewal of her license, that she made a pivotal decision—committing to a wholehearted pursuit of her real estate business.

While Kattie may be relatively new to the intricacies of building and expanding her real estate enterprise, she is well-acquainted with the art of juggling multiple responsibilities. Alongside her real estate endeavors, Kattie also assumes the role of Chief Financial Officer at FARM in Palm Springs. Additionally, she takes immense pride in being a devoted mother to her spirited seven-year-old son. Through skillful balancing and unwavering finesse, Kattie remains dedicated to her mission: providing every client with an unparalleled and unforgettable experience.

As she brings her unique perspective and expertise to the table, Kattie aims to forge connections with like-minded and ambitious individuals. By sharing invaluable insights and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of business together, she seeks to empower others on their own journeys. With Kattie as your trusted guide, you can be assured of unlocking new possibilities and navigating successful transactions with a cool, confident demeanor.

Chad Allen Ortiz, Nickerson-Rossi Dance:

Chad Allen Ortiz is from Temecula, California, and trained under the mentorship of his brother, George Ortiz Jr. His professional career began as an apprentice of Nickerson-Rossi Dance (NRD) in 2014. Chad is now the Executive Director and Principal Dancer of Nickerson-Rossi Dance. Chad is also the Co-Owner of the Palm Springs Dance Academy in Palm Springs and Palm Desert and is the Executive Director of the Palm Springs International Dance Festival. 

Through NRD's multiple dance programs throughout the nation, Chad has worked with over 40 high schools, 35 universities, 20 professional dance companies, and countless amounts of dance studios.  Chad has worked with multiple non-profits with educational and therapeutic dance programming, from the Flourish Foundation with Jackie Lopez’s Versa-Style Next Generation in Los Angeles, Sister Mary’s Project Home in Philadelphia, and the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center in Rancho Mirage.

Currently, you can find Chad teaching Business in the Arts as an adjunct at Johns Hopkins University Peabody Institute, is a faculty member and Director at the Palm Springs Dance Academy, and performs and tours with the Nickerson-Rossi Dance company.

One of Chad's greater accomplishments was launching the "School Alliance" program as an extension to Nickerson-Rossi Dance Education. In its inception, this program has provided no-cost dance classes for 750 students from Desert Hot Springs to La Quinta in partnership with Palm Springs and Desert Sands Unified School Districts. The 2023/24 "School Alliance" is projected to scholarship 1,150 students. 

Chad has danced internationally with the Nickerson-Rossi Dance Company and has also worked with Union Dance Project, PGK Dance Project, Brandywine Ballet, Compulsions Dance & Theater, and a national touring group for Romeo & Juliet. Notable performances included the prestigious Jacob’s Pillow, the McCallum Theatre’s Choreographer’s Festival, and the Royal Theatre in Turin, Italy.

Magalie René, Workplace Catalyst:

Magalie René, Confidence and Compassion Expert, Executive Coach, CEO of Workplace Catalyst and host of The “C” Word miniseries, empowers organizations, executives, and entrepreneurs with Compassionate Leadership development and emotional intelligence skills. Her team of facilitators at Workplace Catalyst™ offer Compassionate Leadership Development for wellbeing and belonging in the workplace.

She has worked with Fortune 500 companies, the renowned Ford Foundation, and clients including Publicis Groupe, Senator Mark Kelly, Kaiser Permanente, Live Nation, California Institute of Technology (Cal Tech), Eventbrite, and more. As the founder of “Find Your Shine,” she hosts transformational events and courses for entrepreneurs and business leaders, inspiring them to conquer fear and share their message.

Magalie has been featured on Good Morning America, CBS News, Forbes, Cosmopolitan Magazine, and more. An inspiring speaker, master facilitator, and transformational coach, she teaches people how to get confident enough to take big leaps forward, enjoy the journey of success, and make a big difference in the world.

Impressed? Us, too. You won't want to be left out of this game-changing gathering packed with enriching discussion, so we urge you to secure your tickets pronto as space is limited. Your ticket not only includes one drink ticket and heavy hors d'oeuvres, it also unlocks the door to an experience where connections are forged, knowledge is shared, and possibilities are ignited. 

If there is a specific question you'd love to hear from our panelists this month, give us your feedback here. 

What is Visionary Voices?

Visionary Voices isn't your average event. It's a dynamic platform that brings together the most inspiring and thought-provoking leaders in Palm Springs. Prepare to be blown away by their insights and experiences, as they tackle a wide range of topics that truly matter to the next generation. Our speakers will include successful entrepreneurs who have conquered the business world, cutting-edge innovators who are shaping the future, and even influential activists, artists, and influencers who are rewriting the rules and leaving an indelible mark on our world.

But it doesn't stop there. By joining us, you'll become an integral part of a vibrant community that thrives on pushing boundaries and setting new standards for success. This is your chance to connect with like-minded individuals, forge powerful collaborations, and be a part of something truly extraordinary.

So, don't wait a moment longer. Join us at Visionary Voices and unlock the tools you need to thrive in the fast-paced world of business. Together, let's redefine what it means to be successful and make a lasting impact.

If there is a specific topic you believe deserves to be thrown into our lineup, let us know here!