A Nonprofit's Diversity Struggle

A growing Latino population in California's Santa Barbara County has yet to translate into increased representation in leadership and board positions with nonprofit organizations. This lack of diversity can lead to the homogeneity that causes community problems to be missed and voices to go unheard.

“You don’t understand it unless you’re living it,” said Ernesto Paredes, a Santa Barbara native who has worked for nonprofits for almost 25 years.

Paredes, executive director of Easy Lift Transportation, said he knows of only five Latinos leading local organizations...