America Forward Executive Director Deborah Smolover released the following statement in response to Forbes’ new list of the world’s leading social entrepreneurs:

“America Forward was thrilled to see Forbes Magazine recognize the outstanding work of 30 of the nation’s leading social entrepreneurs in its recent ‘Impact 30.’ As government at all levels struggles with decreasing funding in the face of growing challenges in areas related to education, youth development, healthcare and environmental impact, it is these leaders who are providing the innovative solutions and pathways forward necessary to achieve success.

We are particularly proud of the work of Rafael Alvarez of Genesys Works, Richard Barth of the KIPP Foundation, Jean Desravines of New Leaders, Wendy Kopp of Teach For America, J. B. Schramm of College Summit, and Jill Vialet of Playworks, all members of the America Forward coalition. The universe of social entrepreneurs is wide and diverse and active in communities across the country. Their work is integral to the future success of our nation and we are pleased to see the impact of even a small percentage of those leading innovators highlighted by Forbes magazine. We look forward to the continued progress enabled by these leaders and the future successes in addressing our nation’s challenges enabled by their work in the years to come.”