The Story Behind FirstGen Forward

“Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika” — “Lord Bless Africa”

FirstGen Forward Corporation (a registered non-profit 501 (c) 3 foundation) was founded by Nicholas, Christopher and Kimberly Misselbrook, first-generation Americans whose parents, Simon and Delia, were born, raised, and educated in South Africa during the apartheid era. Shortly after marrying, Simon and Delia made the courageous decision to emigrate, seeking safety, opportunity, strong education, and the promise of the American Dream for their future children.

Growing up as first-generation Americans, the Misselbrook siblings understand intimately the sacrifices, challenges, and resilience that shape the immigrant experience. They also recognize the blessings—hope, security, and possibility—that came from their parents’ decision. Over the past 23 years, the family has grown, adapted, and learned together, and today they are profoundly grateful to be American citizens.

Yet the connection to South Africa remains deep and heartfelt.

The Need in South Africa

South Africa continues to face significant structural and social challenges, including:

• Severe unemployment: 43.1% unemployment rate as of Q1 2025

• High crime rates: An average of 64 murders per day

• Gender-based violence: Approximately 43,000 rapes reported annually—a figure widely believed to be significantly underreported

• HIV crisis: About 18.8% of adults aged 15–49 living with HIV, the highest number globally

• Educational inequality: A drastic divide between expensive private schools and severely under-resourced public schools, many lacking basic supplies, trained teachers, electricity, or running water

These realities—experienced by their parents and witnessed in today’s statistics—compel FirstGen Forward to act.

About the Founders

Christopher Misselbrook

President

Christopher Misselbrook is the President of FirstGen Forward Corporation and attends Notre Dame Preparatory School in Scottsdale, Arizona. Inspired by his family’s immigrant journey and the mission of giving back, Christopher founded and is currently organizing the first annual FirstGen Forward Teddy Bear Drive, a charitable initiative dedicated to delivering comfort and love to orphans in South Africa. Through his leadership, compassion, and commitment to service, Christopher is helping build bridges of hope across communities and inspiring young people to make a meaningful impact in the world.

Nicholas Misselbrook

Treasurer

Kimberly Misselbrook holds the role of Secretary and Social Media Director at FirstGen Forward Corporation. Currently an 8th grader at Rancho Solano Preparatory School in Scottsdale, Arizona, Kimberly is the youngest and only daughter of Simon and Delia Misselbrook. With enthusiasm and a budding sense of responsibility, she is eager to embrace the values of the foundation and to start contributing to its mission. Even at her young age, Kimberly is excited to learn about the initiatives of FirstGen Forward and is committed to growing into her role as she becomes older. She looks forward to being part of the family’s legacy of service and making a difference in both her local and global community.

Nicholas Misselbrook serves as the Treasurer of FirstGen Forward Corporation. As the oldest son of Simon and Delia Misselbrook, Nicholas carries forward his family’s legacy of service, gratitude, and commitment to giving back. He is currently at Fairfield University in Connecticut, where he is pursuing his studies in accounting and proudly following in his father’s footsteps. Dedicated and detail-oriented, Nicholas brings both passion and responsibility to his role within the foundation. He is deeply committed to ensuring the success of FirstGen Forward’s mission and works diligently to support its initiatives and expand its impact in both the U.S. and South Africa

Kimberly Misselbrook

Secretary and Social Media Director

Delia Misselbrook

Director

Delia Misselbrook serves as one of the Directors of FirstGen Forward Corporation. She is the proud and supportive wife of Simon Misselbrook and the mother of three first-generation American children—Nicholas, Christopher, and Kimberly—who inspire her daily with their compassion, drive, and commitment to service. Delia earned her Honors Business Degree from the University of South Africa and built a successful career in finance before choosing to stay home to raise her family, a role she has embraced with dedication, love, and purpose. As a director of the foundation, Delia plays a guiding and nurturing role in helping her children launch and grow this meaningful initiative. She is deeply moved to see her children give back to South Africa—the country of her birth and a nation facing profound challenges and need. Delia is honored to support their mission and to help foster hope, opportunity, and connection between the next generation and the place where her family’s story began.

Simon Misselbrook

Director

Simon Misselbrook serves as a Director of FirstGen Forward Corporation. He is the devoted husband of Delia and the proud father of three first-generation American children—Nicholas, Christopher, and Kimberly—whose desire to serve and give back has been a source of deep pride and inspiration for him. Simon holds an Honors Degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of South Africa. He is both a South African Chartered Accountant and a Certified Public Accountant in the United States. After emigrating from South Africa, Simon rebuilt his career from the ground up—studying again, re-earning his professional credentials, and working tirelessly to provide stability, opportunity, and a strong foundation for his family. His dedication led him to an exceptional career, serving in multiple executive finance roles, including Chief Financial Officer, and he currently serves as COO and CFO of Desert Investment Management. While his professional commitments keep him extremely busy, Simon supports FirstGen Forward wherever he can and takes great pride in seeing the vision, passion, and hard work of his wife and children come to life. He is profoundly moved to see his children give back to South Africa—the country that provided him with an exceptional education and the core values that shaped his success in the United States. Simon is honored to play a part in this initiative and excited to witness the impact it will have on communities in need.

"Teddy Bears Carrying Love” is a heartfelt initiative dedicated to bringing comfort, hope, and a sense of belonging to orphans in South Africa. We are collecting new or gently loved teddy bears that will be delivered directly to children who have endured unimaginable loss and hardship. Each teddy bear becomes more than a toy—it becomes a message of love, a symbol of care, and a reminder that they are not forgotten. By donating a bear, you are helping wrap a child in warmth and compassion, reminding them that the world has not given up on them. Together, we can carry love across continents—one teddy bear at a time.

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