BASIC Welcomes New Leadership
Last updated 1/22/2025 at 8:02am
Basic Assistance to Students in the Community has announced they have welcomed Angela Cassidy in the role of President on the BASIC Board, taking over for Barbara Coates.
Angela brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to education and community service. Previously serving as Vice-President, her dedication to our mission is unwavering.
BASIC is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization committed to empowering youth and adults in the Borrego Springs community to pursue educational opportunities and achievement by providing grants, scholarships and programs that will help these students reach their potential and realize their dreams.
Brief Bio: Angela Cassidy, a lifelong resident of Indiana and a proud alumna of Indiana University, retired after a remarkable 33-year career as Vice President and Trust Officer with JPMorgan Chase Bank. Her involvement in not-for-profit organizations, including St. Vincent Mercy Hospital Foundation and United Way of Madison County, reflects her passion for making a measurable impact.
Angela firmly believes that "we thrive when we ALL thrive." BASIC's mission aligns perfectly with this philosophy – enabling, educating, and empowering Borregans from cradle to graduation. She recognizes that identifying barriers to success and finding solutions is key. BASIC's initiatives, such as the Summer Learning Academy and the Latino Family Literacy Project, exemplify our commitment to overcoming educational barriers in Borrego.
Fundraising remains crucial to our mission, and Angela is eager to collaborate with the BASIC board and the Borrego community. Together, we will fund grants, scholarships, and programs that empower Borrego's students to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams.
Personal Connection: Angela and her husband, Tom, have been part of the Borrego Springs community since the early '80s. They consider Borrego their "home away from home" from January to May. Tom serves on the board of the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center, and they both belong to St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. Angela and Tom have two sons and two beloved grandchildren.
Please join us in welcoming Angela Cassidy as our new President. Her leadership will undoubtedly propel BASIC toward greater success!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our outgoing President, Barbara Coates, for her dedicated service and unwavering commitment during her term. Her leadership has left an indelible mark on BASIC and we appreciate her continued service now as Vice-President.
For more about Angela and other incredible Board members, visit the "Our People" page on our website at http://www.borregobasic.org/our-people.html.
New Board Member
BASIC also announced that Esmeralda Lopez-Garcia has joined the Board.
Esmeralda, a native of Borrego Springs, brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for education to the BASIC team. After graduating from Borrego Springs in 1997 and building a successful career at Chiquita Fresh Express, she returned to our community in 2014. Leveraging her expertise in procurement, international shipping, ag business, water rights, and administration, Esmeralda has made significant contributions to the Borrego Water District and serves on the Board of Organización LatinX De Borrego.
As a mother and a dedicated advocate for education, Esmeralda admires BASIC's support for students and families and looks forward to contributing to their mission of fostering student success. BASIC is excited and honored to have her on board and confident that her innovative thinking and commitment will be invaluable to our community.
BASIC also has been recognized as a Top-Rated Nonprofit by Great Nonprofits! This prestigious distinction reflects the heartfelt stories and glowing testimonials from the community we serve, showcasing the impact of BASIC programs.