Foresight Design Initiative Staff
Specialist-Generalists
Foresight prides its self on having a staff of specialist-generalists, a term for individuals who excel in having a sufficient depth of knowledge in a broad range of fields. As such, they are able to assimilate large amounts of information in order to follow and stay ahead of diverse industry trends. The inherent multi-disciplinary nature of sustainability and system design create a special demand for specialist-generalists.
David Garcia- Fusionist 2
David Garcia wears many hats. A classically trained fine artist, David's passion for urban design and sustainability led him from an eight year career in filmmaking and photography to an internship and eventual employment with the Foresight Design Initiative. As the resident jack-of-all-trades, he is a graphic designer, event coordinator, communications manager, website keeper, tech supporter, and documentarian. In the warmer months, he spends his off hours in his garden and at his grill, and in the colder months, he spends more time in the kitchen. 
Peter Nicholson- Innovationist
Peter Nicholson is Executive Director of the Foresight Design Initiative, a nonprofit organization he established in 2002, and Principal of the organization's design practice. Through these positions, he leads a multifaceted career focused on the creative pursuit of greater social, environmental and economic sustainability. Peter consults on and undertakes innovative sustainable design projects for a diversity of clients, including government agencies, institutional nonprofits, and diverse businesses. Considered a highly adept discussion facilitator, he hosts Foresight's monthly Green Drinks panels and is in regular demand as a guest speaker and moderator. Peter is dedicated to the education of the next generation of sustainability-minded leaders and regularly mentors interns as well as teaches the Foresight Immersion program. Prior to establishing the Foresight Design Initiative, he held a variety of positions in the corporate and non-profit sectors. In each, he has consistently pursued growth and innovation. Peter began his study of Sustainability and Design at the Institute of Design at the Illinois Institute of Technology and holds a bachelors degree from the Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music. 
Uzma Noormohamed- Fusionist 1
As an Associate at the Foresight Design Initiative, Uzma develops and helps lead the organization's sustainability-related educational programs. In addition to this position, she is completing a master degree in Urban Policy at Northwestern University. Her research involves the use of market instruments and mandates to promote climate protection, with the belief that sustainable development is crucial to the long-term economic, security, and diplomacy interests of the United States. As an undergraduate studying Philosophy at DePaul University, Uzma received a generous Boren Scholarship to study development issues and Arabic in Cairo, Egypt. Prior to her current position, she spent several years in the private sector, working with a micro-banking institution that serves unbanked and underbanked individuals. A graduate of Foresight's intensive Immersion summer program, she is excited by the role of urban areas as laboratories for sustainable development in general, and the opportunities and resources in Chicago in particular. 
Bobbie Seltzer- Synergist
Before following her passion for the environment, Bobbie Seltzer held positions as office manager for a company that produced live industrial shows, as a medical malpractice insurance underwriter, and as a bookkeeper for a small law firm. A long-time gardener and composter, her passion for the environment lead to a career change, and eventually to the Foresight Design Initiative in August 2007. Bobbie is a certified University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener (class of 2003) and has worked in several horticulture-related jobs. She has volunteered over 100 hours in gardens throughout the City, including the Jackie R. Robinson School garden, which won the Mayor's Landscape Award in its Region during its first year. Bobbie sits on the Board of the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory. In her spare time, Bobbie volunteers in several Chicago gardens and will be venturing beyond her north side neighborhood by bike this summer.