Meet the Founder: Tracy Pepper

A Vision Born from Crisis

Tracy Pepper founded Color Me Human, a Nevada County nonprofit committed to amplifying marginalized voices and working to fight systems of oppression. Conceived in late 2019 in response to escalating racial tensions—marked by nationwide riots and protests nationally and locally—Color Me Human quickly became a symbol of hope and solidarity during a turbulent period.

As national protests unfolded and the COVID-19 pandemic began, Tracy recognized an urgent need for community support (particularly of BIPOC and other historically marginalized community members), community dialogue, and community education. In its early days, Color Me Human focused on addressing immediate community needs, including establishing the Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Council, which met weekly via Zoom; conducted online trainings and workshops attended by community members, nonprofit, service and government agencies; hosting the first annual Juneteenth celebration, and worked to elevate the voices and visibility of the marginalized, all while navigating the challenges of rising social discord and violence, a global pandemic, and the subsequent nationwide shutdown.

A Journey to Nevada County

Tracy’s journey to founding Color Me Human was shaped by her extensive experience and dedication to community service. A retired law enforcement officer with a master’s degree in public administration from CSU Fresno, Tracy relocated to Grass Valley in 2016, enticed by the natural beauty and majesty of the Sierra Mountains. Before establishing Color Me Human, she immersed herself in the local community, working and volunteering with various organizations to better understand the unique challenges and needs of the area. Her active involvement in grassroots efforts and her unwavering commitment to supporting marginalized voices laid the foundation for her future endeavors with Color Me Human, ultimately leading her to create an organization dedicated to fostering unity, education, and social justice in Nevada County. Tracy served as Color Me Human's Executive Director from its conception in 2019 to 2024

A Commitment to Education and Unity

“For us, it’s a matter of educating, communicating, and celebrating diversity and our shared humanity and ensuring everyone in our community feels safe, seen, and heard,” she states. The organization remains a crucial force in Nevada County, dedicated to nurturing and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone is valued and supported.