This article was written by Rosario Torres, a 2025 graduate of United Way of King County’s Project LEAD program. For more than 30 years, Project LEAD has equipped young people of color to serve on local boards through an eight-week training course.

Transformational.

That is the word to describe United Way of King County’s Project LEAD program, a board service program made specifically for and by Black, Indigenous and People of Color. The reality is stark: most nonprofit boards are not representative of the communities they serve. For more than 30 years, LEAD has prepared hundreds of diverse board members across our county.

And I’m proud to be among them. 

Years ago, I was invited to serve on a new community organization’s board in Los Angeles. Though honored, I felt unprepared. As a young professional and first-generation college graduate, I did not understand what board service truly meant. I believed deeply in their mission–providing transformational learning experiences for Black and Brown youth through music and self-expression, but I questioned what I could offer.

Would I have the necessary expertise to offer them at this stage of their organizational journey?

Do I have the connections to help them fundraise?

What could I offer? 

My mentors, all people of color in leadership roles, shared their wisdom and tough love. Their message was consistent: effective board service stems from genuine commitment to an organization’s mission. They were refreshingly honest—it was hard work with significant responsibilities. Though I had years of experience volunteering to mentor first-generation college students, board service demanded different skills and a much deeper commitment. 

Through Project LEAD, I’ve found answers to questions that once intimidated me.

The program equips participants with essential skills for meaningful board contribution: operations, fundraising through a racial equity lens, advocacy, fiscal management, and understanding legal and ethical responsibilities. 

Today, I stand at a different point in my life: more experienced, better connected, and ready to serve my new community of Seattle. I’m excited to join a board supporting youth of color in after-school programming through sports, arts, or outdoor activities. These programs build confidence, self-efficacy, and discipline—values I’ve championed throughout my career. My experience in LEAD allowed me to foster new connections with my cohort members, whose combination of professional and lived experiences makes me hopeful for the non-profit sector.  

Thanks to Project LEAD, I’m ready to take my first steps into board leadership.