About Working Wonders Founder

Evelyn Hernandez Valentino is a woman who has been living with AIDS for over 15 years. She was diagnosed with HIV shortly after her husband Greg tested HIV positive. They were newlyweds planning a life and a future together. Eight months after their wedding day, Greg died. Feeling lost, isolated, and overwhelmed with fear, Ms. Hernandez Valentino decided to take back her life. She moved from New York to California and in 2000 seeing a need in HIV/AIDS care for women and families she created the first, and only, women's AIDS service organization in the greater Palm Springs, CA area.

With over 15 years of combined public policy experience, Ms. Hernandez Valentino is currently an elected official of the Inland Empire HIV Planning Council. She served as Vice-Chair on the Inland Empire HIV Planning Council has completed three terms on the Executive Committee. She is a past Board Member of Women at Risk, and a founding Board Member of Volunteers in Medicine.

Awards & Recognitions:

2006 National Latina Magazine's February issues' "Inspiring Latina"
2005 California's Woman of the Year for the 80th Assembly District
2004 Desert Sun's - One of the top 10 individuals to make an impact
2003 Working Wonders named "Non-profit of the year" - Coachella Valley Mexican American Chamber of Commerce
2003 "Woman of the Year" Greater Palm Springs Pride for her commitment to HIV/AIDS
2003 International Hispanic Award "El Sol Azteca" for her work with women & children