Rural Prosperity Center
Welcome!!! Help us advance the socioeconomic and environmental well-being of rural communities.
30 years of
COMBINED EXPERIENCE
Advancing the socioeconomic and environmental well-being of rural communities
IN THE COMMUNITY...
The Rural Prosperity Center (RPC) stands at the forefront of rural community advancement, committed to enhancing socioeconomic and environmental well-being across the heartlands. Through robust capacity-building, technical assistance and strategic partnerships, RPC addresses critical issues such as housing shortages, digital equity and inclusion gaps, small business development, environmental justice, place-based equity, education and is at the forefront of food hubs and agtech strategies. Embracing an entrepreneurial spirit, RPC implements holistic strategies that pave the way for upward mobility, changing the narrative on poverty and mobility in rural areas. By creating access to quality jobs and providing empowering support, RPC catalyzes sustainable growth and prosperity, ensuring rural communities thrive with resilience and opportunity at their core.
ABOUT
Meet Our Team
Ismael Diaz Herrera (Ish)
Co-Founder / Co-Executive Director
Ismael Diaz Herrera (Ish) brings a wealth of leadership experience and a robust track record of success in community and economic development across various roles. Currently serving as Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of the Rural Prosperity Center, Ismael oversees all aspects of organizational governance, financial management, and program delivery. He is instrumental in driving strategic initiatives, including the establishment of partnerships for joint fund development and program implementation, and has been pivotal in enhancing rural communities' socioeconomic and environmental well-being through innovative approaches.
Prior to his current role, Ismael held key positions at California Forward, notably as Executive Director of the CA Stewardship Network (CSN) since July 2021 and Interim Executive Director of California Forward. During his tenure, he has provided visionary leadership in managing CSN's operations, facilitating executive committee meetings, and helped in the development of the $600M Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF), now CA Jobs First. His efforts included expanding CSN's membership and establishing peer learning forums to bolster inclusive economic development strategies statewide. Ismael's strategic acumen also supported the CA Governor's Office in conducting a comprehensive listening tour to prioritize regional infrastructure investments, underscoring his commitment to effective collective action and community empowerment.
Before joining California Forward, Ismael held progressive roles at California State University, Fresno, where he served as Executive Director of the Office of Community and Economic Development and played a pivotal role as Executive Director. His leadership was instrumental in managing organizational budgets, fostering strategic partnerships, and overseeing programmatic activities that advanced regional economic development initiatives. Ismael's tenure at the San Joaquin Valley Rural Development Center and his role as Program Director equipped him with a deep understanding of community needs and the ability to implement impactful projects that fostered economic growth and sustainability in underserved areas.
Eduardo González
Co-Founder / Co-Executive Director
Eduardo González's career trajectory underscores his exceptional leadership, strategic acumen, and unwavering dedication to fostering sustainable community development. His multifaceted roles have not only shaped policies and programs but also galvanized collaborative efforts that have significantly benefited disadvantaged communities throughout the San Joaquin Valley and beyond.
In his current role as Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of the Rural Prosperity Center (RPC), Eduardo continues to leverage his extensive experience in economic and community development. Previously, as Executive Director at the Office of Community and Economic Development at California State University, Fresno, he directed the statewide implementation of comprehensive economic strategies, underscoring his adept management of significant human, financial, and physical resources. Eduardo's leadership extends beyond administrative duties; he frequently influences strategic business decisions made by senior leadership, reflecting his ability to navigate with a high degree of autonomy and impact.
Eduardo González has demonstrated a profound capacity for leadership and strategic direction throughout his tenure, notably as Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Small Business University. In this role, Eduardo assumed significant responsibility for formulating and administering policies and programs aimed at providing technical assistance to disadvantaged entrepreneurs and rural communities. In 2022, he pioneered the establishment of Central Valley Women's Entrepreneur Center (WBC) and in 2023 the establishment of Rural Development Centers, a nonprofit organization which became a cornerstone for community-based economic development strategies, facilitating crucial resources, services, and funding to support local initiatives. Eduardo's efforts were instrumental in fostering collaborations with federal, state, regional, and local partners, enhancing the center's impact in addressing the unique challenges faced by these communities. Furthermore, he spearheaded alongside Ismael Herrera the creation of the San Joaquin Valley Regional Broadband Consortium and recently “Digital Navigators”, focusing on digital inclusion, broadband infrastructure, adoption, and digital literacy—a testament to his proactive approach in advancing digital equity.
Throughout his career spanning over two decades, Eduardo's commitment to social equity and community empowerment has been exemplary. His leadership roles, including Technology Director at Save the Children and Executive Director of Youth Centers of America (YCA), showcased his visionary approach in developing impactful programming and initiatives. Eduardo's expertise in grant writing and nonprofit development and management has been pivotal in advancing adult education, environmental, Agtech, financial literacy, leadership development, and prevention projects in underserved rural communities, earning him national recognition for his contributions to social justice and transformative change.