In a time when conversations about equity face increasing political resistance, Traco Matthews sees opportunity. Recently elected chair of the California Racial Equity Commission, Matthews is excited to step into the role with “energy and passion,” determined to advance the work of equity across the local community,  state, and nation.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve in a time of significant adversity when it comes to equity and racial equity, especially,” said Matthews.

Matthews first joined the California Racial Equity Commission as vice chair in August 2023. The commission promotes racial equity by recommending best practices and providing technical assistance to state and local governments, with a focus on reducing disparities in underserved and marginalized communities. As Vice Chair, Matthews was thrilled to be asked to serve by the Governor’s office and to be appointed. Two years later, being asked to serve as chair has him excited and ready to help see the commission’s work through to completion.

Currently, the commission is in its “crunch time” as it starts to develop the framework of the communication and materials for the commission to present. Matthews said that he is excited to be able to serve in this leadership role as they enter a new season.

“For me, what I’m most thrilled about through the leadership role is the opportunity to talk about the work that we have been doing and where we think it’s heading,” said Matthews.

The commission’s target audience is the state and the overall state government in order to help represent systemic change and provide tools in the areas of budget, data, and community engagement equity. 

“I love the opportunity to get to tell the story and why this work is so critically important and what we’re hoping people will do with it once it launches,” said Matthews. 

Through his day job as the Chief Health Equity Officer for Kern Health Systems and as a pastor, Matthews explained that his purpose in life is to be committed to seeing this work proliferate in the state, the community, and around the nation.

“With the ability to take a stand and say ‘no matter what every government says, we’re going to continue to demonstrate this work because this is a picture of life for humans, helping them live their best lives,’” said Matthews. “I love getting to tell that message… with every hat that I wear, that’s always the message that I am preaching anyway.”