SLO County Diversity Coalition celebrates graduates from new leadership training program
Editor’s Note: The San Luis Obispo County Diversity Coalition issued a $1,000 grant to support the San Luis Obispo Tribune Diversity Storytelling Project.
The San Luis Obispo County Diversity Coalition is training local professionals identifying as Black, Indigenous and people of color to take on leadership positions within local nonprofits as part of a first-of-its-kind program within SLO County.
“The BIPOC Board Leadership Training Program represents a significant milestone for our organization and our community. We are elated to provide a platform for aspiring leaders to enhance their skills, contribute meaningfully, and represent the diversity of our region,” Rita Casaverde, executive director of Diversity Coalition SLO County, said in a news release.
The inaugural cohort for the BIPOC leadership program comprised 13 professionals from SLO County.
Members of the cohort completed the program in early December and met with 14 participating nonprofits as part of a board matching and networking mix at SLO Public Market last week, BIPOC Board Leadership Training director Victoire Prothro said in an email.
Currently, the diversity coalition is working to match BIPOC leaders with nonprofits that applied to participate in the program, with the next training program scheduled for spring 2024, the release said.
The application process will reopen for more nonprofits interested in diversifying their boards with future cohorts of BIPOC leaders who train with the diversity coalition, the release said.
“This program is not just about training; it’s about building lasting connections and creating a network of leaders committed to making a difference. We are excited about the journey ahead and the positive impact it will have on our community,” Prothro said in the release.
The 14 nonprofits that are recruiting diverse board members through the BIPOC leadership training programs are:
- Community Foundation of Estero Bay Inc.
- R.A.C.E. Matters SLO
- San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre
- Santa Lucia Chapter Sierra Club
- SLO Climate Coalition
- Spokes | Resources for Nonprofits
- The Land Conservancy of SLO County
- Center for Family Strengthening
- Access Support Network
- Ecologistics Inc.
- Leadership SLO
- League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County
- The Gala Pride and Diversity Center
- The Fund for Santa Barbara
Nonprofits interested in participating in the program can apply at www.diversityslo.org/training and are required to submit a symbolic $150 application fee.
