Courtney Haile
Founder, Executive Director | M.A., Ethnic Studies
Born in San Francisco, Courtney Haile spent her teenage years in San Luis Obispo and returned to the community in 2013 after 15 years in Los Angeles and another stint in the City by the Bay.
She explored media representation, race, and gender as an undergrad in USC's Annenberg School for Communication; and examined Black identity development in predominantly white communities for her graduate work at the College of Ethnic Studies at San Francisco State.
In 2016 Courtney organized a public demonstration in response to the murder of Philando Castile that birthed R.A.C.E. Matters. Since then she’s been a driving force in the organization’s progression, arts and cultural programs, and racial justice events. Known for her courageous public speaking, she has created RM programs including Black social initiative NoireSLO and the Belonging arts series.
She’s gone on to produce two original short documentary films including the award winning “Restrictions Apply”, and most recently conceived and curated Texture salon and community space. Courtney brings a bold, joyful, and wildly creative approach to community advocacy and her work on equity, justice and belonging.
.FUN FACTS:
She enjoys decorating, cheese, West African fabrics.
She has a love for unmentionable reality television.