Leading Beyond Her Comfort Zone: A Conversation with Our New Board President Imelda Patu

At Inspiration's Edge, leadership isn't about having all the answers; it's about being willing to grow, serve, and help others thrive along the way.

As our new Board President, Imelda Patu brings that mindset to every aspect of her leadership. What drew her to the role wasn't simply the opportunity to lead an organization she cares deeply about; it was the opportunity to challenge herself, continue growing, and help Inspiration's Edge expand its impact throughout the Hi-Desert.

We recently sat down with Imelda to learn more about what inspired her to step into this role and what she hopes to accomplish during the year ahead.

What inspired you to become President of Inspiration's Edge?

"For me, becoming president was an opportunity to grow."

Imelda shared that she has always enjoyed taking on new challenges and sees growth as one of life's greatest rewards.

"I wanted to continue developing my leadership skills, my communication skills, and become even more involved in the logistics and day-to-day work of the organization. Serving as president pushes me outside my comfort zone, and I think that's where some of the best growth happens."

While she stepped into the role to serve Inspiration's Edge, she also recognized that strong organizations are built by leaders who are continually learning themselves.

"By growing as a leader, I hope I can better serve our theater and the community."

What are you most excited about this year?

For Imelda, the answer came quickly: expanding Inspiration's Edge's reach.

"I hope we continue building new relationships while strengthening the connections we've already made throughout the Morongo Basin."

She envisions Inspiration's Edge becoming even more connected with local organizations, community leaders, and businesses, whether through new partnerships, attending community events, or discovering exciting new spaces to bring theatre experiences to audiences.

"Our mission has always been about bringing people together through the performing arts, and I'd love to see us continue reaching more people in more places."

What do you hope people think when they hear "Inspiration's Edge"?

Rather than focusing on a specific production or event, Imelda hopes IE becomes synonymous with something even bigger: community.

"I want people to hear our name and immediately feel excited. I want them to think, 'They're doing something? I want to be part of it!'"

Whether someone attends a performance, volunteers behind the scenes, or simply follows the organization's journey, she hopes Inspiration's Edge becomes known as a welcoming place where creativity, collaboration, and community come together.

How can board members, volunteers, and supporters best support you as president?

For Imelda, the answer is simple: honest, respectful communication.

"I really value constructive feedback. There's always room for improvement, and I want people to feel comfortable sharing ideas, concerns, or suggestions."

She believes the strongest organizations are built on trust where people feel safe speaking openly because everyone is working toward the same shared mission.

"My hope is that we continue creating an environment where people can be honest with one another without fear of criticism or retaliation. If we keep our conversations rooted in respect and our shared values, we'll continue growing together."

That philosophy reflects the servant leadership approach she hopes to embody as Board President: listening first, encouraging collaboration, and remaining committed to the eight core values that guide Inspiration's Edge.

Looking Ahead

As Inspiration's Edge enters another exciting season, Imelda's vision is rooted in something beautifully simple: growth.

Growth in leadership.

Growth in partnerships.

Growth in opportunities.

Most importantly, growth in the community that makes Inspiration's Edge possible.

With her willingness to step beyond her comfort zone, embrace new challenges, and lead with humility, we're excited for the journey ahead and grateful to have Imelda helping guide the next chapter of Inspiration's Edge.

Please join us in congratulating Imelda Patu as she begins her service as President of the Inspiration's Edge Board of Directors. 

Honoring the Leadership That Brought Us Here

As we welcome Imelda into this new role, we also want to recognize Ian Ferris, Inspiration’s Edge’s first Board President and one of our co-founders, whose contributions helped shape the organization we are today.

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For the past two years, Ian has been much more than a name at the top of our board roster. He has been one of the warmest and most welcoming faces of Inspiration’s Edge; greeting new volunteers, encouraging performers, building relationships, and helping create the sense of community that has become such an important part of who we are.

His impact can also be seen on our stages. Ian directed our first musical production, The Rocky Horror Show, helping turn an ambitious leap for our young theatre company into a completely sold-out run and an exciting milestone in IE’s growth. He also helped establish what we hope will remain a cherished annual tradition by bringing A One-Man Christmas Carol, performed by his father, to Inspiration’s Edge audiences.

And while Ian may be passing the presidential torch, he certainly isn’t going anywhere! He will continue helping lead Inspiration’s Edge as a member of our Board of Directors, and audiences will have plenty of opportunities to see him doing what he loves, with Ian appearing onstage in each of our next three productions.

Ian’s co-creativityand commitment to making people feel like they belong have left a lasting mark on Inspiration’s Edge, and we’re grateful that his contributions to our story are far from finished.

The Edge Keeps Expanding

And Ian isn’t the only familiar face stepping into a new chapter of leadership. Jericho McNeltier will be taking on Imelda’s former roles as Board Secretary and Volunteer Coordinator, continuing his service to Inspiration’s Edge while helping keep our growing community connected, organized, and supported.

New roles, new opportunities, and the same Inspired community at the heart of it all. We’re grateful for everyone who has helped bring Inspiration’s Edge this far and excited to see where this next chapter takes us.

The Edge keeps expanding... and we’re so glad you’re part of it.