This piece is a part of our Q+A series. Know someone we should interview? Nominate them here.
Profile: Meet Fay Horwitt, the President and CEO of Forward Cities — a nonprofit organization dedicated to the growth + sustainability of more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems. She began her work with Forward Cities in 2018 as the Director of Community Innovation and has watched the company grow substantially over the years.
In honor of Fay’s transition into her new role, we’re asking her 10 questions. Read on to find out who inspires her, which movers + shakers she’s watching, and what the future looks like for Forward Cities.
What’s an improvement you’d like to see in Durham?
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to relocate to Durham in 2019. Since that time I have come to understand the rich history of Black business and entrepreneurial spirit in this city. There are so many organizations + amazing leaders that have been working here for a long time to support Black entrepreneurs. In many ways, they have been on the same journey I was, trying to do this work on my own.
Name 3-5 other local leaders/influencers/movers + shakers you’re watching.
I am deeply inspired by the efforts of Provident1898 co-owners Carl Webb and Peter Cvelich, who are committed to creating a space and support for Black entrepreneurs in the city. I have also been a long-time fan of the work that was done by the collective of Black leaders that launched and led the Black Wall Street Homecoming events, including Jesica Averhart, Tobias Rose, Talib Graves-Manns and Dee McDougal.
How has the transition into your new role as President + CEO been?
It is what I like to call a beautiful challenge. As a Black woman leader, I come to the role with a different experience, a highly relational style + new organizational priorities. The year 2020 was a confluence of economic, financial, and social upheaval. Like most businesses and nonprofits, we worked harder than ever to survive and to continue to serve our communities. This past year has illuminated and exacerbated existing barriers for entrepreneurs of color, as well as activated potential allies and accomplices. So I come into this new role with a heightened sense of urgency and responsibility to leverage this moment in time to educate community stakeholders around the country about the need and recommended strategies for doubling down on authentic and intentional efforts to create equity for every entrepreneur.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
To remember that my value is not in what I produce — it is in who I am.
What local dish do you crave + rave about?
I’m in love with this fabulous salad from Happy + Hale — Hale Caesar (with kale, vegies, spicy dressing and buffalo cauliflower).
What’s your favorite book?
“Decolonizing Wealth” by Edgar Villanueva
What does the future of Forward Cities look like?
Our vision is that every entrepreneur in America will — sooner rather than later — have equitable opportunity and access to the resources they need to launch, sustain, and grow a business. Forward Cities’ future is committed to making that vision a reality by catalyzing at least 30 equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems by the year 2030.
Who inspires you?
Every BIPOC entrepreneur that we do this work to empower. They face and overcome obstacles every day, not just in business, but to even stay alive + have their humanity valued. They are the heroes + sheroes that can inspire us all.
Fill in the blank: The coolest person I’ve met in the Triangle is ___________.
I can’t honestly pick one. I would have to say my entire team at Forward Cities. I am honored to work alongside them in this journey to better.
You’re ordering a coffee from Cocoa Cinnamon: What’s in it?
Enough caffeine to do the job.
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