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Dear Friends,
The Diversity Coalition San Luis Obispo County is very pleased to announce the appointment of
Rita Casaverde as its Executive Director.
Rita, a native of Lima, Peru, moved to the United States in 2012 and became a citizen in 2019. She built a career in the tech industry as a Quality Assurance Analyst expert. Her natural desire to be involved in meaningful social causes drew her to the Women’s March SLO, SLO Climate Coalition,
and SLO County Democratic Party. She entered the local political arena when she joined Congressman Salud Carbajal's office. In 2020, Rita and other community leaders founded SLO County UndocuSupport, to financially support immigrant families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rita’s experience working for and with underrepresented communities provides her a unique
perspective of SLO County’s diversity and equity gaps. Her commitment and passion for addressing
social issues drive her work.
The Coalition was founded in 2011 as a community response to an infamous hate crime in Arroyo
Grande. From its inception, Coalition members have included public officials, educators, church
leaders, and concerned individuals seeking ways of living in a more tolerant, understanding
community. Its financial sponsors include the County Supervisors, various County cities, private
companies, foundations and entities, plus hundreds of dues paying members. The Coalition’s
“Community Diversity Education and Training Program” now in its sixth year, thru its School
Speakership Series, has given over 6000 local Middle and High School students the opportunity to
hear life stories from a wide variety of people who have each had their lives adversely, sometimes
tragically, affected by intolerance toward one’s race, religion, or gender.
In addition, its Community Outreach “Fostering Understanding” meetings, open to the public,
provide locally and nationally known speakers presenting and discussing provocative subjects on
the importance of diversity in all communities. To date, the Coalition has sponsored 25 such
community events.
The Coalition will continue to provide quality programs in our outreach to schools during the 2022-
23 academic school year and beyond. In addition, we plan to expand the Fostering Understanding
series to the community, providing national speakers and in-depth discussions. As we continue to
grow, we look forward to expanding throughout the county our collaboration with organizations and
agencies to bring support, information and resources to all issues impacting diversity. There is no
limit to what we can do with your support.
Rita asks, “In the great words of late Representative John Lewis, ‘If not us, then who? If not now,
then when?’ Your ongoing support is deeply appreciated. Anything and everything helps.” You can
assist us to continue this work by making a donation. Simply include a check in the enclosed
envelope or make a donation through our website: diversityslo.org.
Thank you,
Board of Directors
Diversity Coalition San Luis Obispo County