Evan Gray

Palm Springs thrives on connection, and Evan Gray is in the business of creating it. At the Palm Springs Chamber of  Commerce, he develops physical and digital spaces for people to connect and grow, overseeing Leadership Coachella Valley, Walk of the Stars Palm Springs, Emerge Palm Springs, and the chamber’s marketing and content.

He moved to the valley knowing only his partner and saw an opportunity to bring younger professionals together. The result: Emerge Palm Springs, a monthly gathering that feels less like a stuffy mixer and more like a chance to relax and talk. “I just asked everyone who would listen if  it was something that was needed, and they said yes,” he says. “The most satisfying thing … is when people tell me, I’m connected to so-and-so because of  what you’ve created.”

Gray  sits on the board of Palm Springs Sister Cities and the LGBTQ+ History & Archives of  the Desert, is a member of the Emerging Leaders Council, and supports nonprofit organizations including the Palm Springs Animal Shelter.

His favorite advice: “If  there’s not a seat at the table, build your own table.” Through his work, Gray is doing  just that, making space for the next generation of  Coachella Valley leaders to take their place.