Greg Forbes Siegman is the real-life person upon whom The Silhouette Man by Jillip Naysinthe Paxson is based.The First Thirty (the student edition of the book) was honored as NSDLC 2007 Multicultural Relations Book of the Year.  A former educator, Greg has served as Scholar in Residence for schools and programs in the US, Canada and Africa.  Throughout the year, he speaks at schools, events, companies and conferences. In some of those cases, he has been one of multiple guest speakers. In those instances, the others have included well-known figures like Michelle Obama (nonpartisan event on volunteering), former Apple CEO John Sculley, Nobel Peace Prize honoree Elie Wiesel, actor/producer Henry Winkler, football coach Tom Osborne and author Malcolm Gladwell. Greg's art collection, My Sleepless Nights, has gone on exhibit at events in different nations. In addition to speaking or having his art on display at others’ events, he has hosted hundreds of events in different cities to help try and build bridges among people of different races, generations and backgrounds. On the civic side, he has focused on issues like education, diversity, literacy, cancer and the elderly.  He also serves as Chairman of The 11-10-02 Foundation. For his efforts in the community, he has received honors like the Jefferson Award for Public Service.  In 2005, he was honored at Princeton University as one of America’s top social entrepreneurs under 40.  He has been featured by media like Education Week, The NonProfit Times, National Public Radio and The Washington Post.  When he was 27, Good Morning America buried a Time Capsule which chronicled some of his efforts in the community.  At times, he has written for the media as well.  Greg has been active in sports & fitness throughout his life - including his first triathlon in 2008. He has collaborated on professional & civic projects with teams at the high school, collegiate & professional level. His favorite historical figures include Harriet Tubman, JoAnn Robinson and Nelson Mandela. His favorite cinematic figures include Forrest Gump, Roy Hobbs and Rocky Balboa. His interests include animals, films, photography and sports. Greg is single. His best friend was his late Grandma.