Dear Friend,

I cannot think of a better time to be stepping in as the first woman of color Executive Director to lead Courage California. The revolution is live, energized by Black leaders and allies who are demanding justice. We are seeing change happen at a scale and pace that gives me hope and strength for the long fight still ahead for California, and the nation.

No one knows what comes next -- tomorrow, next week, or next month. But I do know that we are more than ready to end domestic fascism, white supremacy, and a pandemic that especially threaten Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color. It will take courage and endurance. And we will do this together. I am committed to stewarding Courage California as a leading voice for all of our communities in California and nationwide.

With courage, we can fight.
With courage, we can heal.
With courage, we can reimagine.
With courage, we can rebuild.

Let’s make this revolution one for the ages.

Sincerely,

Irene Kao

Courage California acknowledges our presence on the traditional and unceded territory of hundreds of First Nations who are the traditional caretakers of this land we call California. As visitors on this land, we pay our respects to the ancestors, elders, relatives and future generations.