FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

Sonny Von Cleveland is the author of 'Hey White Boy, Conversations of Redemption' and is a renowned motivational speaker, leveraging his personal journey from sexual abuse and incarceration to inspire and heal others.

As a dedicated anti-bullying advocate, he collaborates with Boo2Bullying, a leading youth development and suicide prevention organization. Sonny is a sought-after mentor for disenfranchised youth in Southern California's juvenile facilities. His commitment to positive change extends to his role with the Anti-Recidivism Coalition in Los Angeles, where he champions re-entry coaching and activism.

Beyond this, Sonny founded The Von Cleveland Foundation, a nonprofit offering complimentary coaching, resources, and a nurturing environment for learning. Central to the foundation's ethos is transforming mindsets, catalyzing a shift from doubt to belief and from adversity to achievement.

He lives in Palm Springs, California, with his wife, Claire, and their two cats and dog, where they own and operate the Coachella Valley's first and only cat cafe: Frisky Business Palm Springs Cat Cafe.

TREASURER

Claire Rogers is the founder of iTopia Coaching & Consulting and is an award-winning keynote speaker and coach, focusing on mindset and mental health, as well as employee wellbeing, talent retention, productivity, and engagement within the corporate sphere.

With a rich background in corporate leadership, Claire previously served as a Director at a prominent Fortune 100 company in the United States. In this role, she adeptly managed a team of global account managers, overseeing a portfolio valued at $3 billion. This experience underlines her proficiency in high-stakes corporate management and strategy.

Claire holds an Honours Diploma in Advanced Travel and Tourism from the Canadian Travel College, a professional certificate from the University of California, Berkeley, in The Science of Happiness at Work, and a certificate from Harvard University focusing on Improving Businesses Through A Culture of Health. Her thought leadership is recognized widely, having been a featured speaker at conferences sponsored by esteemed organizations such as KPMG, Shell, LNG Canada, Encana, and the Royal Bank of Canada.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Claire is the proud owner of Frisky Business Springs Cat Café, the first of its kind in the Coachella Valley. Her entrepreneurial venture reflects her commitment to social responsibility, particularly in supporting and employing marginalized individuals.

Claire firmly upholds the belief that one's past does not dictate one's future and champions the notion that everyone deserves a life filled with joy, purpose, and fulfillment, irrespective of their background.

SECRETARY

Sofia Saenz is a beacon of resilience and hope in the Coachella Valley, where her roots run deep and her impact is profound. At 44, she is not only a mother to five and a grandmother to two but a guiding force for countless youth as a dedicated youth development program specialist with the Boys & Girls Club of Coachella Valley. For over a decade, Sofia has been an integral part of this organization, pouring her heart into the New Beginnings program, a haven for young girls in need of unconditional love, support, and a path to healing.

With her husband, she co-leads the Old to New support group at their church, driven by a shared commitment to lift others from despair to promise. Sofia's life is a testament to the power of transformation. Her journey from homelessness, addiction, and incarceration to a life filled with purpose and service is nothing short of miraculous. She embodies the very essence of second chances and the unwavering belief that anyone can rise above their circumstances.

Sofia's message is one of unyielding optimism: she has navigated through darkness to a life filled with light and now dedicates herself to ensuring others find their way too. Her story is a powerful reminder that with faith, support, and the courage to change, new beginnings are always possible. Sofia Saenz is not just a survivor; she is a source of inspiration, a mentor, and a living evidence that hope is an unstoppable force.

Director Of Events

Joffrey Gurule is a versatile professional with a robust background in business development and community service. He holds a BA from California State University, San Bernardino, and an MBA from the University of Redlands. With over 15 years of administrative experience in the medical industry, Joffrey excels in leadership, organization, and strategic planning.

Joffrey's entrepreneurial spirit has led him to launch multiple multi-million dollar enterprises. He also made his mark in the entertainment industry by establishing a production studio and producing a TV show for NBC.

Beyond his business achievements, Joffrey is dedicated to community service. He actively participates in mentoring programs through his church and contributes to various non-profit organizations. This commitment to helping others is a core aspect of his identity and fuels his passion for positive community impact.

Joffrey Gurule's diverse career showcases his adaptability, creativity, and dedication to excellence. His strategic vision and service-oriented approach make him a valuable member of our board, dedicated to uplifting the community.

Marketing Director

As the Marketing Director at The Von Cleveland Foundation, Ted Smith brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at AT&T and DIRECTV. With a strong background in strategic marketing, Ted has crafted and executed targeted strategies across various business segments. He specializes in creating nationwide sales offers that seamlessly integrate traditional, mobile, and digital platforms.

Ted's expertise includes Art Direction, Photography Direction, Mobile Design, and Strategic Direction. These skills enable him to produce visually compelling marketing materials and branding initiatives that drive customer acquisition and retention. At The Von Cleveland Foundation, Ted leverages his extensive experience to advance the foundation's mission of empowering individuals who have faced marginalization or incarceration.

With a proven track record of achieving brand consistency and evolution, Ted is dedicated to developing marketing strategies that resonate with diverse audiences and reflect the organization's core values. He is driven by a belief in limitless potential and the capacity to transform perceived limitations into opportunities for meaningful change.