DIVERSITYSLO.ORG
December, 2025
“I’ve gained a new sense of empathy” High School Student
At the beginning of this year our Board of Directors had a special meeting. We had to ground ourselves in the reality of the unknown and the many challenges we assumed were coming our way as a nonprofit working on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). We had a choice — to be silent or reaffirm our commitment to our mission. We decided to reaffirm our commitment to educate, and advocate for a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. To be honest, even in our most worrisome visions, we couldn’t have predicted the challenges and grief of these past months. But hope isn’t optional, and despite loss of funding and rising needs, our resolve to “make good trouble” has only strengthened. In fact, we are building hope through action, showing up against the odds across the Central Coast: in classrooms, community rooms, coalition spaces, public comment, roundtables, school districts, and regional initiatives.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cornel N. Morton President
This year, we strengthened partnerships across issues, including with immigrant-serving organizations facing new fears. We shared stories rarely heard, and pushed for solutions that included all of us. In 2025 we reached over 3,000 students, increased our BIPOC Board Leadership graduates to 42, joined more than 40 coalition meetings, grew our Women of Color Network to 300 members, and created spaces for 500+ community members to connect around issues that directly affect them.
Sharon Dowdell Treasurer Joyce Tseng
What this political moment makes clear about our work is that coalition building, education and advocacy are not negotiable; they are foundational infrastructure.
Secretary Michael Boyer Founding Director Kathleen Mink Ed. Committee Chair
Looking toward 2026, the work ahead is serious, but so is the need to support the efforts. Your end-of-year gift protects this work and fuels what comes next: a community where people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences have influence, visibility, and a real chance to shape a future that reflects us all.
Jacqui ClarkCharlesworth Director Rick Mayfield
There is hope in this work, and a real impact in every contribution. Please consider making a gift today using the return slip or online at diversityslo.org/donate. DAF donors can also recommend a grant to support and sustain this work.
Director Kristina Forrester
Thank you for your continued generosity. Your contributions are especially important at this time.
Director Connie Nunez Director
Rita Casaverde Executive Director - Diversity Coalition San Luis Obispo County DIVERSITY COALITION SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY | P.O. BOX 376, ARROYO GRANDE, CA 93421 | EIN 82-2075135 | DIVERSITYSLO.ORG