Welcome to the tenth episode in our mini-series featuring conversations focused on Racial Equity and Social Justice with the members of SVCF’s Community Advisory Council. Listen to the previous episode in the mini-series here, and continue to subscribe to the podcast to hear future episodes.

South Santa Clara County, and Gilroy in particular, have some of the highest pockets of poverty in the region. With over 60 percent of Gilroy’s population being Latinx, the need for uplifting these communities is dire. In this episode, Edwin Diaz, a retired educator and founding member of Latino Family Fund de Gilroy joins SVCF Director of Capacity-Building and Nonprofit Services Michelle Fries in conversation about equity in Edwin’s region. Having served on Gilroy Foundation’s Board of Directors for eight years, and with 35 years in education, Edwin is cognizant of the most pressing issues that people of color face in the South County. Listen to learn how philanthropy, individuals, and networks of nonprofits can help influence policy for the community.

Listen to the full discussion about fighting for racial equity in Gilroy at Silicon Valley Community Foundation.