Courtney Haile is originally from San Francisco. She grew up in San Luis Obispo and graduated from SLO High School. Earning a Masters in Ethnic Studies years ago, she moved back to the area wanting to help create a space where people of color and other marginalized groups feel safe, included and heard.

She joined with other like minded folks (who all happen to be women) to form R.A.C.E. Matters SLO County. The acronym stands for Responsibility, Action, Compassion, Education. Their mission is to engage the community in matters of racial justice, and advance a positive local dialogue around race.