This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Pitt chapter.
Meet Justin Forzano, Pitt’s own in-house entrepreneur and resident good guy. When he’s not dashing around campus attending GSPIA classes, or shaking hands with important people of Pittsbugh, he’s doing anything possible for the advancement of the non-profit he founded in 2010, in Kumba, Cameroon. He’s ambitious, full of life, and one of the most determined individuals that I’ve ever met. With all of that going for him you’d think he was obnoxious and full of himself. However, Justin is one of the most down-to-earth guys you’ll ever meet. And, he’s literally happy all of the time. His positive attitude towards the power of volunteerism for change is infectious and makes you want to save the world right alongside with him, which is why he more than deserves the title of Campus Celebrity this week.
1. Hi Justin! Tell us a little bit about yourself and your organization.
I first traveled to Kumba, Cameroon in 2006 with the University of Dayton and my life changed forever. After spending three summers in-country working on various community development projects, I knew that I was destined to work on the Continent. Cameroonians made me feel at home, in a place so far and different from anything I have ever experienced. In Kumba, I found a second family.
During those summers, we spent nearly every afternoon on the soccer field. Despite a lack of equipment and proper facilities, the game played on. Soccer engages people in a way that little else can; people forget their troubles and just play. In 2010, I and my African brother, Peter, founded Cameroon Football Development Program (CFDP). Inspired by the work of others who were using the game to fight HIV, empower women, and heal former child-soldiers elsewhere in Africa, we set out on a mission to empower youth and teach leadership skills via the beautiful game. What started in Cameroon as a dream of two young men, is now a full fledged nonprofit organization running weekly after-school programs in 12 schools and hosting a youth soccer league for seven community soccer teams.
2. How’d you like Kumba? Was it a huge culture shock?
Yes. It was very different from the MidWest where I spent the last few years at University. It was difficult being the minority – very humbling. However, I recall the moment when I knew I would forever work on the Continent. It was during the one week when I stayed behind, after the other students I traveled with had gone back to the USA. I was sitting with friends in a place off the main road, sharing some pepper soup and goat meat (fantastic dish) and washing it down with cold palm wine mixed with Guinness – a local concoction called “Udeko” and for those few precious moments I was not the “white man” as small children passing on the roadside shouted to me and sometimes everyone else seemed to forever be reminding me I was. I was with my brothers.
3. Thanks for sharing that, it’s a great story. We’ll have to try some Udeko! What are your goals for CFDP in Pittsburgh?
With CFDP in Pittsburgh, we hope to develop a model which can have the greatest impact on participating youth. Quality over quantity. I want children who play soccer with us to become more confident and respectful, get better grades in school, and become self-reliant so they identify and capitalize on any and every opportunity.
4. What are you studying in GSPIA and why?
I’m currently working towards my Masters of Public Administration. Nonprofit Organizations are (at least they should be) run like businesses, and leaders with the most technical skills move ahead in the sector. I want to gain the “hard skills” to better manage CFDP and grow it to the next level. Why not MBA? I want to learn the more in-depth culture and best practices of the nonprofit sector.
5. Wow! That’s awesome and really honorable. But, besides getting CFDP off the ground at Pitt and in the city, are you involved in anything besides CFDP?
Yes, I am the part time student representation on GSPIA Student Cabinet and on the executive board of the International Development Studies Association. I am a new member of the Pittsburgh Hub of Global Shapers – an initiative of the World Economic Forum, actively involved in the Pittsburgh East Rotary Club, board member of the Sanctuary Project, an organization dedicated to reducing violence in Wilkinsburg, volunteer at the Boys and Girls, a mentor in Big Brother Big Sisters, and secretary of the Cameroon Community of Pittsburgh.
6. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Helping to build other Sport for Development programs around the world.
7. When things get rough, what inspires you to keep going?
My team in Cameroon keeps me motivated. They are a group of 7 very dedicated and hard-working individuals to whom I am grateful and indebted. CFDP would have never reached this level – we have nearly 500 boys and girls actively involved in weekly programs in Cameroon! In Africa – nearly 4,000 miles away! Somehow – we manage to do it.
8. Congratulations! It’s great to hear of your success and your amazing team! Here at HC Pitt, we know that the team is what builds a great support system. Who are your great influences behind that support system?
There are some pretty amazing people in Pittsburgh doing some pretty amazing things – from local start-ups to social enterprise to international development. Whether it’s co-working, collaborating on events/activities, or just connecting via the great web that exists here, I am inspired by my peers, colleagues, and leaders from around town. I won’t name any names – but there is something about this city… I once heard a ‘transplant’ (non-Pittsburgh native) who moved here to explicitly to start her business in the Strip District say “if you want to change the world, you can do it in Pittsburgh.” I couldn’t agree more.