Introducing Skyler Griswold...

Born to Lead

Introducing, Skyler Griswold: 

At a very young age, Skyler began to demonstrate an unusually high level of empathy and genuine compassion for the plight of the poor, the socially-disadvantaged, due to lack of educational opportunities, or visible physical and health challenges.  Born and raised in America, of Korean ancestry, Skyler also possessed a heightened sensitivity to societal injustices due to one's race, color, gender or creed. A prolific reader, Skyler devoured the writings of poets whose work inspired and fueled her own poetic aspirations. In 2015, at age 10, Skyler's talents as a gifted orator came to light when she was asked to address a large formal gathering for the humanitarian initiative, Operation Smile Gala in Los Angeles. Skyler's impassioned eloquent delivery of the poem, What Kind of Asian Are You by  Alex Dang, memorized verbatim, received a long, earned a standing ovation from the mesmerized audience. It was at that moment that Skyler realized and received confirmation of what she had felt and believed all along:  No matter our age, gender, or social status, we each have the power to effect change!  Without question, Skyler's innate desire to make a positive difference in the world was undeniably ignited! 

Transforming the Spoken Word into Action

Inspired by her experience at the Operation Smile Gala, Skyler teamed up with school administrators to raise awareness and much-needed funds for children around the world to receive treatment through Operation Smile. Later that year, Skyler embarked on her first global mission to the Philippines, traveling alongside physicians and volunteers, assisting the families of the children requiring urgent medical treatment. In the spring of 2017, Skyler embarked on her second volunteer medical mission with Operation Smile to Lima, Peru. Skyler witnessed firsthand the positive, life-changing impact brought about by the skilled surgeons, lending their time, resources, and expertise to treat the children suffering from various facial and dental malformations. 

Thereafter, Skyler continued to expand the scope of her humanitarian reach, visiting the Seed Vault in Svalbard, Norway. Led by Martha Stewart, Skyler joined a select group of 30 delegates to address issues concerning food security and their fragile environment. After returning to her hometown of Los Angeles, Skyer teamed up with the LA Chapter of Blessings in a Backpack to provide food on non-school days for local elementary school children who might otherwise go hungry.

Future Generations Now: Building a Better World, One Humanitarian Project at a Time. 

In July 2018, Skyler officially launched Future Generations Now (www.FGNow.org) as a 501c(3) organization to build a volunteer-service community that will actively support and participate in humanitarian projects locally, and worldwide.  To date, Skyler has amassed several groups of middle school and high school students in California to help raise awareness and philanthropic support for programs in the areas of child wellness, education, and the environment.

In May of 2022, Skyler was  honored by the Better World Forum with the “Global Citizens Award 2022" during the Cannes Film Festival. Additionally, The Hospitality Committee for the United Nations Delegations selected Skyler as an honoree at its 77th Anniversary of the United Nations in New York City. To date, she is the youngest recipient of the prestigious Award to take the stage to addressing nearly 200 United Nations Delegates and esteemed guests.

FGNow, with its ever-increasing sphere of influence, continues to serve as the vehicle aimed at transforming the lives of children, most currently, those impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic from California to Mexico. These programs include The Equal Access Fund (Los Angeles, CA), the Wonderland Community Center (Tijuana, Mexico), Casa Hogar Orphanage (Ensenada, Mexico), the FGNow Tutoring Program (Los Angeles, CA), and the FGNow Wellness Festival tour (Los Angeles, CA). Each FGNow program is uniquely designed to benefit local community members, while providing service opportunities for high-school students to volunteer through its various global missions. 

With the increased time FGNow requires of Skyler's schedule, it would be easy to forget,  Skyler is still just a teenager, and on track to complete her demanding academic curriculum, whilst also serving as the President of FGNow at Harvard Westlake High School, Class of 2024.