AZUZA – Causeartist names Victor Valley College (VVC) grad Brandon Smith as one of the top 32 nonprofit leaders to impact the world in 2022. Smith’s nonprofit Forestry and Fire Recruitment program (FFRP) works with trained wildland firefighters in and out of the criminal justice system who have the skills and experience to help address California’s wildfires.

FFRP provides pre-release inreach services, post-release training, job coaching, and a transitional employment pre-apprenticeship program. The organization works with the State of California and local community partners to provide support and help with participating in Fire Camps to current or formerly incarcerated individuals.

Smith attended VVC’s Wildland Fire Academy and later went on to complete a Bachelors of Arts in African American and Liberal Studies from the University of California, Berkeley. He worked as a wildland firefighter for the US Forest Service specializing in fuels and fire behavior surveying. During that time he planned projects such as meadow restorations and forest health – drought conditions.

According to their website, FFRP has grown to operate four trained crews in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Ventura Counties. They can provide wildfire prevention and hazard mitigation services to serve unique home, business, and community needs.

Causeartist is a global community of conscious consumers, impact investors, social entrepreneurs, and impact ventures who believe business can positively impact the world. Nonprofit leaders selected for the list “exhibit the essential attributes of an impactful nonprofit leader, and their organizations will undoubtedly impact the world in 2022.”

For more information about FFRP visit https://www.forestryfirerp.org/