WHO WE ARE
THE MISSION
Forest Forward works with the community to combat the causes and effects of systemic inequities through neighborhood revitalization that centers efforts to accelerate the advancement of marginalized people.
THE VISION
Using the restoration and expansion of the Forest Theater, Forest Forward works to ignite a just, healthy and thriving South Dallas.
Our sights are set on the future.
The revitalized Forest Theater will focus on respecting, uplifting, and cultivating the Black community through collaboration. South Dallas residents will get to utilize the theater as a multi-purpose destination hub that sits at the heart of South Dallas as a hub for creativity, business, and entertainment.
LEADERSHIP
Our leaders are agents of change that share a commitment to break the cycle of generational poverty and racism rooted in the South Dallas community by providing necessary tools and educational resources to help the community thrive.
Elizabeth Wattley
Elizabeth Wattley
While some look at what is and ask “why?” Elizabeth dreams of things that never were and asks “why not?”
With over 15 years of experience developing social enterprises, Elizabeth Wattley’s keen insights and breadth of knowledge allow her to lead Forest Forward with a depth of expertise. Dedicated to driving economic development in South Dallas/Fair Park while maintaining the rich history, culture, and pride of the community, Elizabeth is a community architect.
Whether that is scaling what works, thinking of innovative ways to increase impact through nonprofits and businesses, curating development strategies or building networks of collective impact, she is devoted to the infusion of resources to Dallas’ most underserved communities.
Prior to joining Forest Forward Elizabeth led transformative initiatives at City Square as the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Paul Quinn College as the Director of Service Learning. During her time at Paul Quinn College she led the effort to transform the college’s unused football field into a nationally recognized organic farm to combat food access.
Due to her commitment to Dallas and its residents in 2020 the Dallas Business Journal awarded Elizabeth with the coveted 40 Under 40 Award and just 2 years later in the spring of 2022 Elizabeth was named one of the 78 women who make Dallas great by DMagazine. She currently serves on the Majestic Theater Centennial Planning Committee, is an active member of the DFW Spelman Alumni group, and is a member of the inaugural Black Women in Nonprofit Leadership cohort hosted by Dallas Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT). Elizabeth completed undergraduate studies in economics at Spelman College in Atlanta and earned her MBA at the SMU Cox School of Business with a concentration in strategy and entrepreneurship.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Newly formed, Forest Forward has attracted a board comprised of change agents that share a commitment and experiences that will contribute to bringing healthy neighborhood revitalization to the South Dallas community.
Matrice Ellis-Kirk, Board Chair
Gilbert Gerst, Treasurer
Diane Ragsdale, Secretary
Jon Halbert
Linda Halbert
Rev. Matthew Ruffner
Rabbi David Stern
Peter Brodsky
Dr. Michael Hinojosa
Terry Loftis
Celia Walker
David Huntley
Rick Hightower
C. Cordell Adams
Jamila Thomas
Tom Foley
Jessica Washington
