History
2023 80’s Dance Party Fundraiser
The first iteration of the La Palma Community Foundation was founded in 1999. After a few years of inactivity, the Foundation was reestablished in November of 2016 with a new mission, a new Board, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Michele Steggell, serving as the mayor of La Palma at the time, reestablished the La Palma Community Foundation after noticing the loss of Kennedy High School's Every 15 Minutes program, a DUI education and awareness initiative. Determined to bring back this impactful program and save lives, the Foundation's first major initiative was to reintroduce, plan and fund Every 15 Minutes once more. Successful fundraising efforts have allowed the Foundation to expand its initiatives to include public safety programs and student scholarships.
With a team of community leaders and visionaries, the La Palma Community Foundation is ready to be a positive force for good for the city. With the support of our residents and local businesses, we look forward to increasing our capacity to give back to the community we are proud to represent.
Governing Documents
Our Mission
To serve the residents, students, and community of La Palma, California and to facilitate and promote community partnerships and financial support.
Board of Directors
Michele Steggell
PRESIDENT
Michele is the President of our foundation and has been an active member of La Palma for 47 years. She has volunteered for community organizations, such as Kiwanis and the Community Activities & Beautification Committee. She currently works as a Realtor serving the La Palma community and surrounding area.
Noella Lew
Vice President
Noella is a board member and has been a La Palma volunteer and homeowner for 39 years, serving on Neighborhood Watch, the Community Activities & Beautification Committee and the Cypress College Foundation. Her volunteer work has received recognition and awards from California Parks and Rec and PTSA.
Sharon Gutjahr
secretary
Sharon Gutjahr and her husband Gary Gutjahr have been married for 52+ years and have been a part of the La Palma community for 47 years. Since moving here they have been active in community organizations and projects including Junior Woman’s Club of La Pa Palma, started the first Parent-Child Tot Lot, assisted in starting the first Founder’s Day Parade, assisted in starting the PTSA at Walker Junior High School, started the “Gold Card” fun fundraiser for Kennedy. Sharon has also received community awards such as La Palma’s Americana Award, Tres Amigas Award and the Outstanding Volunteer award. Sharon loves giving back to the community that has blessed her family with such an amazing community to live in.
Nitesh Patel
board member
Nitesh Patel serves as a Council Member for our city of La Palma and assists the La Palma Community Foundation as a Board Member. Nitesh works hard to contribute to the community and was honored as Volunteer of the Year in 2011. He has also been appointed twice to the Community Activities and Beautification Committee (CAB). During his time on CAB, Nitesh served as Chairperson in 2010, 2012 and 2013 and as Vice Chairperson in 2014 and 2015. In 2012, Nitesh was appointed to the Oversight Board and served until 2018. Nitesh has served on multiple La Palma Days committees and was the parade announcer for the last two years of La Palma Days. Nitesh is excited to serve on the La Palma Community Foundation and sees the foundation as a way to give back to the City.
Lori Kay Dinwiddie
board member
Lori Kay Dinwiddie has been an active member of La Palma for over 25 years. She feels very lucky to be a full time volunteer and is dedicated to community service. Lori strongly believes that with more community involvement anything is possible.
Shelia Agosto
board member
Sheila is the Secretary for the foundation and has loved the city of La Palma since attending Walker Jr. High and Kennedy High School. She's the Administrative Coordinator at City Church and has a daughter who’s currently at Kennedy High School as well as a 7 year old daughter. Sheila’s passion is to serve the community and build relationships within the city of La Palma.
Jennifer Sasai
Board Member
Jennifer Sasai has deep roots in La Palma. She attended Walker Junior High School and is a graduate of John F. Kennedy High School. Ms. Sasai taught for ten years at Walker Junior High School. She returned three years ago, as the Assistant Principal of Walker Junior High School.
Seema Sidhu
Board member
Seema Sidhu is currently the Assistant Principal at John F. Kennedy High School. She has taught high school English for the past 12 years after graduating from CSU Northridge with a BA in English. Later she completed an MA in Education from UC Davis along with an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne.
Debbie Baker
Board member
Debbie S. Baker has lived in La Palma for 50 years. She served on La Palma’s Development and Circulation Committee (DCC) for four years and also served as Chair before she was elected to City Council in 2020. She is involved in the community by volunteering as a Block Captain for Neighborhood Watch, delivering Meals on Wheels, and attending many community events.
Krishna Patel
Juinor Board Member
Krishna joined La Palma Community Foundation in 2023 and is excited to serve as a liaison to John F. Kennedy High School. Krishna is born and raised in La Palma and wants to see her community thrive. Krishna is a freshman at Kennedy and looks forward to serving her community by engaging and working with Kennedy students and families. In addition, Krishna is looking forward to coming up with new events that will help foster the mission of the foundation.
Krishna is actively involved in:
JROTC Varsity Silent Drill
JROTC Academic Bowl A Team
Volleyball
Mock Trial
President - EOTO Club
Michele Jondle
Board Member
Michele has been a board member since 2020. She and her husband Kevin moved to La Palma in 1992. Their two children, Kristin and Brian, graduated from Walker Jr High and Kennedy High. Along with her brother Steve, Michele was a La Palma business owner, Vicenicia & Buckley Insurance until they sold to HUB International in 2013. She was active in the La Palma Chamber of Commerce for many years, serving as Board President in 2006. She was honored as Business of the Year in 2009. Michele retired in 2021 and enjoys spending time with her four grandchildren.