![](https://www.forestforward.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/abouter-hero-scaled.jpg)
WHO WE ARE
![](https://www.forestforward.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/texture-scaled-1.jpg)
THE MISSION
Forest Forward is a non-profit organization that partners with the community to drive equitable development, economic mobility, and improve outcomes for children, residents, and families of the South Dallas community.
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.
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.
![081423_Matrice head shot 2022 BW](https://www.forestforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/081423_Matrice-head-shot-2022-BW.jpg)
Matrice Ellis-Kirk, Board Chair
![Gilbert Gerst](https://www.forestforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Gilbert-Gerst-Headshot.jpg)
Gilbert Gerst, Secretary
![Diane-Ragsdale-bw](https://www.forestforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Diane-Ragsdale-bw.jpg)
Diane Ragsdale, Treasurer
![](https://www.forestforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Froswa-Booker-Drew-Headshot-1.jpg)
Dr. Frowsa Booker-Drew
![2023_Halbert_Headshot_Jon Halbert](https://www.forestforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023_Halbert_Headshot_Jon-Halbert.jpg)
Jon Halbert
![2023_Halbert_Headshot_Linda Halbert-bw](https://www.forestforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023_Halbert_Headshot_Linda-Halbert-bw.jpg)
Linda Halbert
![MatthewRuffner47 (1)-bw](https://www.forestforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MatthewRuffner47-1-bw.jpg)
Rev. Matthew Ruffner
![](https://www.forestforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/imageedit_1_2743071056.jpg)
Rabbi David Stern
![Peter-Brodsky](https://www.forestforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Peter-Brodsky-819x1024-1.jpg)
Peter Brodsky
![12-michael-hinojosa](https://www.forestforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/12-michael-hinojosa.jpg)
Dr. Michael Hinojosa
![Terry-D.-Loftis](https://www.forestforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Terry-D.-Loftis.jpg)
Terry Loftis
![celia walker](https://www.forestforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/celia-walker.png)
Celia Walker
![david-huntley-2-534x490](https://www.forestforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/david-huntley-2-534x490-1.jpg)
David Huntley
![Larry-James-bw](https://www.forestforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Larry-James-bw.jpg)
Larry James
![Rick Hightower](https://www.forestforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Rick-Hightower.jpg)
Rick Hightower
![C Cordell Adams](https://www.forestforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/C-Cordell-Adams.jpg)
C. Cordell Adams
![Jamila Thomas](https://www.forestforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Jamila-Thomas.jpg)
Jamila Thomas
![Tom Foley](https://www.forestforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Tom-Foley.jpg)
Tom Foley
![](https://www.forestforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Jessica-Washington.jpg)
Jessica Washington
![](https://www.forestforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Noelle-leveaux-scaled.jpg)
Noelle LeVeaux
![](https://www.forestforward.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Larry-James-bw.jpg)
Larry James
![](https://www.forestforward.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/081423_Matrice-head-shot-2022-BW.jpg)
Matrice Ellis-Kirk
![2023_Halbert_Headshot_Jon Halbert](https://www.forestforward.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023_Halbert_Headshot_Jon-Halbert.jpg)
JON HALBERT
![2023_Halbert_Headshot_Linda Halbert-bw](https://www.forestforward.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023_Halbert_Headshot_Linda-Halbert-bw.jpg)
LINDA HALBERT
![](https://www.forestforward.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Gilbert-Gerst-Headshot-819x1024.jpg)
GILBERT GERST
![](https://www.forestforward.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MatthewRuffner47-1-bw.jpg)
MATTHEW RUFFNER
![](https://www.forestforward.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Froswa-Booker-Drew-Headshot-1-928x1024.jpg)
FROSWA’ BOOKER-DREW
![](https://www.forestforward.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Diane-Ragsdale-Headshot-788x1024.jpg)
DIANE RAGSDALE
![](https://www.forestforward.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/imageedit_1_2743071056-683x1024.jpg)