Omar Brownson
Inspired by land, storytelling, and joy, Omar is building a gratitude ecosystem and regenerative economy. He applies an entrepreneurial approach to complex challenges at the intersection of nature and culture. Omar’s work has been featured by influential figures such as author Simon Sinek and on Oprah.com.
With a track record of leading large-scale social initiatives, Omar is a sought-after keynote speaker and facilitator. He is a partner and co-hosts the top-ranked podcast with Gratitude Blooming. Additionally, Omar has engaged in collaborative conceptual art and poetry projects, including with Zen Master Norma Wong, MOCADA, and the Japanese American National Museum.
As the founding executive director of RiverLA, Omar led a groundbreaking initiative in partnership with renowned architect Frank Gehry and local leaders. Together, they reimagined the 51-mile Los Angeles River as a vibrant public resource and thriving ecosystem. Under his leadership, the Greenway 2020 campaign secured an impressive $430 million in funding for the Los Angeles River bike path and launched the innovative $10 million LA River Master Plan.
Omar’s dedication to positive change extends to his current endeavor, Long Horizon, where he provides advisory services and investments across real estate, social impact, blockchain projects, and culture change. Prior to these ventures, he co-founded a highly-rated gratitude app which featured meditation teachers and cultural pioneers such as Jack Kornfield and George Takei.
Omar holds a master’s degree in public policy and urban planning from the Harvard Kennedy School and Graduate School of Design. Omar is a board member of Commonweal.
More than anything, Omar delights in his family and making good visible.
