HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/4/2023 Item 5b, Simkins
Wilbanks, Megan
From:Michael Simkins <ceo@spokesfornonprofits.org>
Sent:Monday, October 2, 2023 2:45 PM
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:Letter of Support: SLO Diversity Coalition Proposal
Attachments:2023-10-02 Letter of Support Diversity Coalition DEI proposal.pdf
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Please find correspondence attached.
Michael Simkins, Ed.D.
CEO, Spokes
805.547.2244 – Office
805.624.5792 – Direct
PO Box 5122
San Luis Obispo, CA 93403
Guiding nonprofits to achieve their goals through support and expert resources.
THIS MATERIAL IS OFFERED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY. IT DOES NOT PROVIDE, NOR IS IT INTENDED TO PROVIDE, TAX OR
LEGAL ADVICE.
Spokes is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. EIN 77-0457478
1
October 2, 2023
Human Relations Commission
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Attention: 2023-24 DEI HIGH IMPACT GRANT
Dear Grant Review Committee:
I am writing to express Spokes’ enthusiastic endorsement of the Diversity Coalition of
SLO County’s BIPOC Board Leadership Training Program. This initiative seeks to
empower BIPOC individuals to serve on boards within our community, promoting
diversity, equity, and inclusion in decision-making processes.
As San Luis Obispo County’s nonprofit support center, headquartered in San Luis
Obispo, Spokes works with nonprofit boards of directors throughout the community.
Many are making serious efforts to diversify their boards but face considerable
challenges in doing so.
By recruiting, training, and helping place BIPOC individuals on boards, the program as
proposed will go a long way to assist boards in their DEI efforts, and beyond that, further
the broader goal of creating a culturally rich and inclusive space in the heart of our city..
Thank you for considering the grant application and for your ongoing commitment to
advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in San Luis Obispo.
Sincerely,
Michael Simkins, Ed.D.
CEO
James Dorf
President
Todd Mirolla
Secretary‐Treasurer
Gillian Cole‐Andrews
Lesley Santos
Doug Sawyer
Post Office Box 5122
San Luis Obispo
California, 93403
CEO
Michael Simkins, Ed.D.
Hind Foundation
Wells Fargo
Shanbrom Family Foundation
Brown, Goodwin, Salucci, and
Schwefler