Mike Ross
Founder & Executive Director – Future Forward Education
From Creativity to Advocacy: A Transformational Journey
Mike Ross is the Founder and Executive Director of Future Forward Education, a nonprofit dedicated to redefining education through systemic analysis, reform, and innovation. With a background in design and technology, Mike brings a creative lens to some of education’s most complex challenges. His work blends hands-on experience, policy insight, and a deeply personal connection to the student journey—shaped by his own learning differences and unwavering passion for meaningful reform.
A Career Sparked by Purpose
Raised in New England, Mike’s early exposure to hands-on technology programs in high school laid the foundation for a lifelong journey in creativity and problem-solving. In 2010, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue opportunities in the creative industry. What began as a pursuit of design quickly transformed into a mission to help underserved communities.
Witnessing the stark disparities in education across L.A., Mike realized his true calling lay in reimagining how students are taught and how systems support—or fail—them. He began combining his design background with a powerful vision for education reform.
Milestones That Matter
One of Mike’s most impactful achievements was the successful implementation of a financial literacy course during standard school hours at a Los Angeles middle school. Unlike elective after-school programs, this initiative reached students at the heart of their daily education.
He also developed education-based apps that integrate real-world design with classroom practicality. These projects represent more than technical success—they reflect a commitment to meaningful and lasting change.
Vision with a Long-Term Lens
Mike founded Future Forward Education not to patch a broken system, but to reinvent it. His mission: improve the educational experience for students and families through better access, meaningful partnerships, and a results-first approach to reform.
He envisions scalable frameworks that can evolve with time—models that help education become our society’s strongest asset, not its most fragile.
Overcoming Industry Barriers
Transitioning from the creative world to education came with significant hurdles. With no established network or institutional experience, Mike committed himself to years of research and listening—understanding communities, educators, and the systems in which they operate.
“To build real solutions, I needed to first understand the root of inequity. That journey never ends—but it’s where lasting change begins.” – Mike Ross
His journey has been one of observation, humility, and action—and it shows in every step his organization takes.
Recognition and Awards
Mike’s impact has been recognized with numerous honors across sectors, including:
- Visionary Entrepreneur of the Year – CIO Global (2025)
- Most Transformational Leader in Youth Empowerment – CToday (2025)
- Top Creative Leader of the Year – IAOTP (2025)
- Global Icons – Passion Vista (2024)
- Emerging Leaders Program Graduate – Los Angeles County (2019)
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt – Los Angeles County (2016 & 2019)
- Best of Quarter Awards – The Art Institute of California (2010–2011)
These accolades span entrepreneurship, innovation, education, and leadership—each one a reflection of Mike’s interdisciplinary influence.
Advice to Future Leaders
Mike encourages future changemakers to zoom out and look at systems, not symptoms.
“When something grabs your attention, don’t just fix the visible issue—study the system that created it. That’s where true change begins.”
He also believes that our visions are gifts, not burdens—and that documenting your ideas, even in their rawest form, is the first step to turning them into something real.
Creating Scalable Models for Education
Mike isn’t just building programs—he’s building frameworks. Through collaborations with schools and universities, he aims to create a parallel academic entity that can implement new models and strategies unhindered by outdated bureaucracy.
He applies a “three-decade lens” to everything Future Forward creates—ensuring it’s designed to outlast trends and make generational impact.
Projects on the Horizon
Future Forward Education is actively engaged in a series of long-term projects, including:
- Expanding financial literacy and custom curriculum content
- Empowering teachers through tools, resources, and recognition
- Collecting and preserving national education data for systemic analysis
- Developing a Future Forward academic center in Los Angeles
Each initiative underscores Mike’s commitment to equity, innovation, and outcomes that matter.
He applies a “three-decade lens” to everything Future Forward creates—ensuring it’s designed to outlast trends and make generational impact.
Legacy in the Making
Mike Ross stands at the powerful intersection of creativity, compassion, and reform. His evolution from digital designer to educational visionary is a reminder that meaningful change often begins with a single bold question.
By reimagining what education can be, Mike isn’t just building new systems—he’s creating a legacy that empowers generations and redefines success for every student who dares to dream beyond the classroom.