The YMCA is a great place for children to start building connections, develop social skills, confidence, leadership, and fitness through youth and family programming.
This year, we want to profile local community leaders who attribute their success to solid beginnings with the YMCA. Our sixth community leader is Melissa Bohm Kahal, Deputy District Attorney for Riverside County.
Why was the Y so important to you during your youth &/or currently?
I really got involved with the Y through the youth and government program. Through Y&G, I was exposed to hands on experiences about government while meeting other teens from all over the state! It was through this experience that I determined I wanted to be a lawyer when I “grew up”
What lessons did you learn from being involved with the Y that you apply to your life now?
I learned how to be involved, give back to my community and to have a voice as well as build lasting friendships.
A brief Bio of yourself.
I moved to the desert in 1992 and graduated from Palm Desert High School (go Aztecs). I graduated from the university of Washington in Seattle, and Gonzaga University School of Law. I worked as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Washington state for almost 8 years before returning to the beautiful Coachella Valley. I currently work as a Deputy District Attorney for Riverside County. When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family exploring all the wonder that is Southern California, and am an active member of the Junior League of Palm Springs/Desert Communities.