The Diversity Coalition San Luis Obispo County (DCSLOC) plans to launch its inaugural Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Board Leadership Training program in the fall of 2023. DCSLOC will train BIPOC professionals in board leadership, creating a pipeline of diverse professional
leaders ready to serve on nonprofit boards and government commissions.
According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, at least 60% of all nonprofits in the nation report serving
BIPOC, yet reports show that 84% of nonprofit board members identify as White. This gap in
representation can often lead to a disconnect between solutions and community needs widening
disparities.
“The BIPOC Board Leadership Training feels like such a natural expansion to our existing educational
programs. We’re excited to offer a program tailored specifically for BIPOC professionals and built by
BIPOC professionals here in SLO County,” said Cornel N. Morton, Ph.D., board president for Diversity
Coalition.
Rita Casaverde, Diversity Coalition’s executive director, added, “We believe that this program can
bring in true systemic change, and we’re happy to see Vickie Prothro at the helm.”
Diversity Coalition hired Victoire “Vickie” Prothro as program director to lead the BIPOC Board
Leadership Training program with board matching and placement assistance services. Vickie recently
moved to SLO County from Los Angeles, where she previously held the position of director of
communications and operations for the African American Board Leadership Institute.
“A diverse board is generally sensitive to cultural differences and in touch with underrepresented
community needs. Diversity Coalition is the organic unity of diverse community members; this program
is a great way to grow our coalition,” said Prothro.
Michael Simkins, CEO of Spokes, which provides service and support for nonprofit organizations
throughout the Central Coast, was asked what it means to offer a BIPOC professional Board Leadership
Training program in San Luis Obispo County. “Spokes is pleased to learn and support the Diversity
Coalition’s new program,” said Simkins. “Having a pool of BIPOC professionals interested and trained
in board service will be a great resource for our county nonprofits.”
The mission of the Diversity Coalition San Luis Obispo County is to build and sustain a coalition that
seeks a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community through advocacy and education.
To learn more about the new BIPOC Board Leadership Training program, visit diversityslo.org/training
or contact [email protected]