BOOKS
The Silhouette Man by Jillip Naysinthe Paxson (and condensed version for students, The First Thirty) are based on the true story of a young person's efforts to make a small but meaningful difference in the world outside his window, the 'ripple effects' that occur from the process, and the lessons learned along the way. There is also an (optional) companion workbook A Place To Sit by Catheryne Izeklow Rozelle. The First Thirty was honored in New York as NSDLC 2007 Multicultural Relations Book of the Year. The Silhouette Man was honored with the 2009 Wisdom Speaks honor in Canada. Greg is the real-life person upon whom the books are based.
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The books (and/or the companion workbook) have been used as part of internal, external and/or civic programming and curriculum by a wide variety of schools, companies, organizations and teams working with people of all different ages, races, cultures and backgrounds. To learn more about the books, read reviews and/or order copies, click here .
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SPEECHES
Greg has been invited to speak at schools, colleges/universities, graduate schools, organizations, companies and events around the world. The events have included a diverse mix of groups. During one 24 hour period, for example, Greg spoke at four events: a workshop for high school students, a Black History Month event jointly sponsored by two colleges, a gathering for Russian senior citizens (with a translator), and an annual breakfast for philanthropists (appearance sponsored by Time Warner Cable). In another instance, a 48 hour period, he spoke at three events: a 9/11 anniversary event for those who work at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, a conference for nurses in Canada, and an event for seniors for National Grandparents Day
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In some cases, he has been one of multiple speakers at an event. In those instances, the other speakers have included: Nobel Peace Prize honoree Elie Wiesel, Michelle Obama (an event on volunteering), football coach Tom Osborne, actor/producer Henry Winkler, former First Lady of Iowa Christie Vilsack, authors Malcolm Gladwell (The Tipping Point), Greg Mortenson (Three Cups of Tea) and Peter Reynolds (Ish) and former CEO of Apple & Pepsi John Sculley. For more on Greg's speeches - including topics - click here. For pictures and feedback from past speeches, click here. To ask about booking Greg for an event, email Events@GregForbes.com
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WRITING
From time to time, he also works for the media -- writing guest columns and feature stories for a variety of publications around the world. The topics of the guest columns have ranged from the impact of labels and stereotypes, to the wisdom of grandparents, to how to talk to students about the ramifications of 9-11, to the internal strength of those who deal with physical obstacles. The feature stories have chronicled the life and/or work of notable figures in different fields such as art, athletics, entertainment, media, business, diversity, education, politics, public service, tourism, and philanthropy. For more on his writing, click here
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In addition to books and articles, Greg enjoys writing poetry. In school, he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Literary Magazine. One of the poems he wrote - entitled Legacy - is now the basis of a poster. For more, click posters.
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ART
Greg's primary collection, My Sleepless Nights, features pencil-based portraits of historical, contemporary and cinematic figures who inspire us to think, act, give, serve and lead. Called a 'tribute...to diversity' by Art World News, pieces have been on display in places like California, New York, Chicago, Canada and Africa. His other two collections are called The Art of Nothing and Rejection Art. To see samples of Greg's art and learn more about it, go to www.MySleeplessNights.com To inquire about having Greg's art on exhibit at your school, company or next event, email Events@GregForbes.com
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EVENT HOSTING
Greg's first job ever (hotel restaurant busboy), first job in college (food delivery), and first job after college (restaurant doorman) all involved the F&B/hotel/restaurant/event industry. Since graduating college, he has coordinated and hosted (or co-hosted) hundreds of events to bring people of diferent races, cultures and backgrounds together. The groups have ranged in size from 5 to 500. The events have included brunches, dinners, galas, parties, and a film premiere. They have occurred in cities throughout the United States as well as Canada and Africa For more on these events, click here
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TEACHING
After graduating college, Greg decided to spend one year as an educator - working as a substitute teacher in the public school system. One year turned into eight. Since then, he has served as Scholar (or Writer or Artist) in Residence for schools or programs in USA, Canada and Africa. He also has served as Honorary Principal for the Day on several occasions. He provides internships to students around the country on a regular basis - including previous interns from schools like George Washington University, Princeton University and University of California-Berkeley as well as a variety of high schools.
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VOLUNTEERING - MENTORING
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Greg's volunteer efforts have included starting a program for young people to volunteer with seniors, and launching ProjectThankYou.com as a way for people to acknowledge publicly the efforts of First Responders.
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His primary volunteer efforts involved The Brunch Bunch Mentoring Program. Each weekend, for 243 consecutive weekends, he coordinated and hosted brunches for up to 25 people (adult mentors and students, like the two featured in the picture), followed by an athletic or volunteer activity. More than 700 people attended at least one of the brunches. For more, click here
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PHILANTHROPY
Greg is Founder of The 11-10-02 Foundation. Now in its 11th year, 11-10-02 has provided grants and scholarships for students with financial need and the schools which they attend throughout the USA. For more, click here
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MEDIA
He has been featured by media such as The Washington Post Co, National Public Radio, Newsweek Kaplan College Guide, Nation's Restaurant News, The NonProfit Times, CBC, CBS, FOX, NBC, Education Week, and USA Today. At the turn of the century, Good Morning America buried a Time Capsule which included a video narrated by Diane Sawyer about Greg's efforts to bring people together of different races, cultures and backgrounds.
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HONORS
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Greg has received some special honors such as the Jefferson Award for Public Service and America's Daily Point of Light. He was honored at Princeton University as one of America 's top social entrepeneurs under 40. In 2008, he received the Portraits in Humanity Award in Canada - given to someone who 'has used the arts to make a difference'. In 2007, EntrepreneurshipWeek USA - sponsored by Kauffman Foundation, Inc. Magazine and New York Times - recognized him as one of two dozen 'Trailblazers' in business. Greg has received other honors from companies and/or organizations and/or divisions of companies/organizations like CBS, NBC, Hasbro, The Education Center, and Simply Family.
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HEALTH/FITNESS
Greg has been active in sports/fitness throughout his life - playing them in school and, after four operations on his feet, completing his first Triathlon in 2008 . In 2009, he was given an (all-in-good-fun) 'tryout' with the Rochester Red Wings (AAA team of the Minnesota Twins). He also has worked with those in the field in a number of capacities including: speeches for sports teams at the high school and college level and for those who work in health-related industries (such as a hospital and the staff of a center that works with cancer patients). In some cases, teams (such as the Toronto Blue Jays, Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants) have incorporated one of Greg's books into their community efforts. For more, click here
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TAKING LEAPS
A firm believer in Taking Leaps, Greg likes to try new things and take on fun challenges -- and sets out to do them sooner than later. In recent months, the 'Leaps' he has done - in addition to the triathlon, which he did on two weeks notice, and the 'tryout' with pro baseball - include: skydiving, entering a crocodile pit, whitewater rafting, zip-lining, swimming with dolphins, riding a horse in the mountains, snorkeling with fish and baby sharks, touring an underground cave, and one round of sparring with a former UFC fighter. For more, click here
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ACADEMIC
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Greg was rejected from every college he hoped to attend. He eventually talked his way into a school. Once in college, he was elected to class office, appointed Chairman of Community Service, joined a fraternity, completed an internship on Capitol Hill, and graduated with Highest Distinction. He has since received a number of honorary degrees.
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PERSONAL
Greg's favorite historical & contemporary figures include Harriet Tubman, JoAnn Robinson and Nelson Mandela. His favorite cinematic figures include Forrest Gump, Roy Hobbs and Rocky Balboa. He can communicate in English and Spanish. He loves animals, films and sports. Greg is single. His best friend and mentor was his late Grandma.
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