Forward Thinkers: California's Everyday Leaders
Forward Thinker [Fawr-werd Thing-ker] – noun: A member of your community who saw a need and is working to fill it.
As the state of California grapples with increasing deficits, high unemployment, and other systemic issues, it has become unable to fill certain community needs. This is where Forward Thinkers come in – people just like you and me who decided to step up and fill in where the state has fallen short, helping to improve their community, region, or state and inspiring others to do the same. Learn more about these outstanding Californians, and suggest one yourself.
Raquel Beltran
“Participating in our democratic process is valuable—it’s what sets us apart from other countries!”
- Raquel Beltran
Robyn Ritter Simon
“Education is the foundation for being successful in life.”
- Robyn Ritter Simon
Michael Turnipseed
“We’ve got to prioritize what’s important!”
Michael Turnipseed
Jeremy Yamaguchi
“Being engaged and educated on the issues is everyone's civic duty.”
- Jeremy Yamaguchi
Kim Walesh
“A successful economy is the product of a successful business community.”
- Kim Walesh
Kathay Feng
“Change is hard, but necessary to move California forward.”
- Kathay Feng
Richard Lewis
“California is incredibly diverse. That's where success will lie.”
- Richard Lewis
Bob Brown
“We need to step back, look at the bigger picture, and manage priorities.”
- Bob Brown
Paul Betancourt
“I want to be a part of giving back to the community that’s given me so much.”
- Paul Betancourt