Elizabeth Wattley

Elizabeth currently serves as the President and CEO of Forest Forward, a neighborhood revitalization organization working to dismantle impacts of systemic inequities while breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty. Previously as the Director of Strategic Initiatives at CitySquare, Elizabeth led innovative social entrepreneurship projects at CitySquare, including restoration efforts of the historic Forest Theater in South Dallas (ongoing as part of Forest Forward) and developing small homes for chronically homeless individuals.

Elizabeth is dedicated to driving economic development in South Dallas/Fair Park while maintaining the rich history, culture, and pride of the community. Prior to joining CitySquare, Elizabeth’s love for social entrepreneurship was anchored during her time at Paul Quinn College, where she served as the Director of Service Learning and led the effort to transform the college’s unused football field into a nationally recognized organic farm to combat food inequities and access.

Elizabeth currently serves on the Majestic Theater Centennial Planning Committee, is an active member 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 was named one of 2020 Dallas Business Journal’s 40 Under 40. A native of Dallas with rich ties to the Southern Dallas community, Elizabeth completed undergraduate studies at Spelman College in Atlanta in economics and earned her MBA at the SMU Cox School of Business with a concentration in strategy and entrepreneurship.