Residente de Indiana de toda la vida y orgullosa alumna de la Universidad de Indiana, se jubiló tras 33 años de carrera como Vicepresidenta y Directora Fiduciaria del JPMorgan Chase Bank. Activa en su comunidad y en la iglesia como voluntaria durante toda su vida adulta, ha formado parte de varias juntas directivas sin ánimo de lucro, como la Fundación del Hospital St. Vincent Mercy y United Way del condado de Madison. Angela y su esposo de 40 años, Tom, comenzó a visitar Borrego Springs a principios de los 80 y ahora llaman Borrego su "hogar lejos del hogar" de enero a mayo. En Borrego, Angela es voluntaria en la escuela primaria y en el Instituto de Arte de Borrego y pertenece a la Iglesia Episcopal de San Bernabé. Angela y Tom tienen dos hijos y dos nietos.

Joanne S. Ingwall, Doctora en Medicina, es actualmente Profesora Emérita de Medicina (Fisiología) en la Facultad de Medicina de Harvard, tras haberse retirado en 2012 de una activa carrera de investigación en energética y función cardiaca. Desde que regresó a California en 2006, Joanne ha transferido su energía del ámbito académico a varias organizaciones de voluntariado, entre ellas la Sociedad de Paleontología de la ABDSP y la Sociedad de Botánica de la ABDSP. La principal actividad voluntaria de Joanne en Borrego ha sido como miembro de la junta de BASIC. Ha sido su directora financiera/tesorera, miembro del comité de selección de becas y directora asociada del programa C2G de BASIC de la cuna a la graduación. En los veranos, ella y su marido Dick participan activamente en varios proyectos de científicos ciudadanos en Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Mary is a native San Diegan with a background in Computer Science and a passion for innovation and adventure. She spent 20 years in Los Angeles developing systems for major corporations, including the Walt Disney Company, before returning home. A licensed commercial pilot, she flew traffic helicopters for several years before shifting her focus to real estate. Since 2004, she has been a full-time resident of the Anza Borrego Desert area, where she owns and operates her own real estate office. A devoted mother and grandmother, she cherishes her family connections across the U.S. and beyond.

Ken ​holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a master’s in Special Education, and both an Education Specialist and Administrative credential in Education. Passionate about ensuring that all children can learn, he believes educators play a key role in unlocking each student’s potential. After moving back to Borrego Springs with his wife, Diane, in 2023, he was eager to continue his work in education. Now serving as the Dean of Students for the Learning Academy, he remains dedicated to supporting struggling students during the summer program and contributing to the growth of BASIC. Be sure to say hello when you see him around town!

​Board of Director

Esmeralda grew up in Borrego Springs and graduated in 1997. After marrying in 2001, she moved to Salinas, CA, before returning in 2014 to raise her children. Guided by her father’s teachings on hard work and innovation, she built a successful career at Chiquita Fresh Express, developing expertise in procurement, international shipping, agricultural business, water rights, and administration. Her dedication to community service led her to a fulfilling role with the Borrego Water District, where she continues to make an impact. A founding member of Organización LatinX De Borrego, she actively champions local initiatives that empower the community. As a devoted mother, she is deeply engaged in BASIC’s mission, contributing her expertise to support students and families in meaningful ways.

Richard and his wife, Rosemary, have cherished Borrego Springs and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park since the 1970s, making it their permanent home upon his retirement in 2021. An avid cyclist and outdoor enthusiast, he continues to explore the desert as a Paleontology Volunteer. As a full-time community member, he recognizes the vital role of volunteer organizations in supporting Borrego’s future. His involvement in the Circle of Art further reinforced his commitment to service. Now, through BASIC, he is dedicated to helping local children and young people reach their full potential through educational support and opportunities.

​Board of Director

Sharon Goldsmith and her late husband, Jerry, discovered Borrego Springs in 1990 while birdwatching, and it soon became their seasonal home. When not in Borrego, she resides near the Everglades in Southwest Florida. Holding a PhD in Developmental Psycholinguistics from the City University of New York, she has focused her research on reading and language disabilities. An internationally recognized expert in Standards, Certification, and Accreditation, Sharon leads a consulting group that helps educational institutions worldwide align with best practices. Her career has spanned roles as a teacher trainer, Director of Special Education in Massachusetts, and Assistant Commissioner of Education, before serving as Director of Professional Affairs and Senior Advisor for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association in Washington, D.C. She continues to advocate for high-quality education and student success.

​Board of Director

Urmi Ray es una experimentada profesional de los semiconductores que colabora con organizaciones del sector como iNEMI, IMAPS, SEMI y otras para impulsar estrategias avanzadas de envasado e integración. Ha trabajado en JCET Group, Qualcomm y en Lucent Technologies Bell Laboratories en diversas funciones de investigación e ingeniería de semiconductores. Es doctora por la Universidad de Columbia (Nueva York). Urmi también dedica su tiempo al voluntariado para muchas organizaciones en áreas como la educación (tutoría, mentoría), bancos de alimentos/cocinas de sopa, actividades de conservación con parques estatales de California.

​Board of Director

Joann Stang es la fundadora de BASIC's Learning Academy y miembro fundador de BASIC. Ella presidió el Círculo de Arte durante 9 años, sirvió en el comité de becas durante 18 años y sirvió a la organización en una variedad de roles de liderazgo. La pasión de Joann por el apoyo a la educación proviene de su convicción de que la educación de todos es uno de los cimientos de nuestro sistema democrático. Ha tenido responsabilidades de liderazgo y gestión como Directora Corporativa de Recursos Humanos en Solar Turbines, una empresa de Caterpillar, con sociedades internacionales de recursos humanos y en organizaciones de voluntariado en San Diego y Michigan, su lugar de veraneo. 

​​Board of Director

Heidi brings over two decades of experience as a K-12 educator, driven by a deep passion for literacy and the transformative power of education. With degrees in Psychology, Educational Administration, and Social Work, she has dedicated her career to fostering opportunities for learners of all ages. A respected leader in Borrego, she serves on the Civic Foundation and Friends of the Library boards and is a founding member of The Art Center of Ramona, bridging the gap between professional artists and education. As she transitions from teaching in the Borrego Springs District, she remains committed to education through roles such as District Assessment Coordinator and instructor at the Learning Academy. Beyond her work in education, she is currently writing a children’s picture book and embracing new adventures through travel.

Peter has been a full-time resident of Borrego Springs since 2020 and brings a lifelong passion for learning, technology, and community impact. With a background in computer technology and digital solutions, he has dedicated his career to improving quality of life through innovation. As the founder of 73rd Street Associates, he developed software systems that served over 500 companies nationwide in medical scheduling and insurance management. He also founded Silicon Valley Code Camp, the largest programming conference in the world, which ran for 15 years. A graduate of Cornell University with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical and aerospace engineering, he now finds joy in working with children and looks forward to supporting BASIC’s programs to help young learners thrive.

With 20 years of experience as an administrator in the Borrego Springs Unified School District, Martha Deichler has a passion for the families and children who call our rural desert oasis their home. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center as well as a Trustee on the School District’s Board of Education. Martha serves as an advisor to the BASIC Board and supports the important work that BASIC does for the youth in our community.

Nidia Meza es licenciada en marketing empresarial con más de 20 años de experiencia profesional en operaciones de liderazgo y gestión con responsabilidades en la dirección de proyectos de mejora, la creación y orientación de equipos de alto rendimiento y la optimización de las operaciones internas. Nidia es la Directora Gerente de BASIC, forma parte del comité de finanzas y es la coordinadora de la Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Nidia emigró de niña de México, la primera en su familia en graduarse de la universidad, habla español con fluidez, y entiende la comunidad de clientes. Nidia voluntarios para muchas organizaciones en Borrego Springs, y entiende la importancia de la Educación como la piedra angular de los logros de toda la vida.