"Our People are Determined, Collaborative and Smart"

​Cici Olson's life has been shaped by a deep passion for entrepreneurship, human connection, and advocacy. Raised in an entrepreneurial family, she developed strong business instincts early on. Her journey has taken her through various industries, from corporate sales and real estate to launching innovative businesses and, ultimately, founding a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness for those with ataxia.

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Cici began her higher education at the University of Oregon, where she pledged the sorority Gamma Phi Beta. She later transferred to California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a minor in Public Relations. This educational background gave her a strong foundation in communication, media, and business relations, which she leveraged throughout her career.

 

Cici's ​professional career has been diverse and dynamic, spanning multiple industries Corporate Sales & Management: She worked in industries including hospitality, transportation, and corporate leasing, holding roles at major companies such as SuperShuttle International, Disneyland, and a large furniture leasing company, where she managed a $30 million division and key accounts. A Real Estate & Negotiation: Recognizing her talent for negotiation and relationship-building, she obtained her real estate license and quickly excelled in the field, helping clients navigate complex transactions. Entrepreneurial Ventures: Furniture One “ A company specializing in ergonomic, lifetime-use chairs designed for comfort and functionality. "FAUX PAW “ A brand focused on pet-lover gifts and accessories, combining creativity with high-quality products. She also collaborated with a local artist to develop licensing programs, bringing unique and innovative products to major retailers.

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Cici Olson "Entrepreneur, Advocate, and Founder of Next Step Forward

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Cici Olson's life has been shaped by a deep passion for entrepreneurship, human connection, and advocacy. Raised in an entrepreneurial family, she developed strong business instincts early on. Her journey has taken her through various industries, from corporate sales and real estate to launching innovative businesses and, ultimately, founding a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness for those with ataxia.

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Cici began her higher education at the University of Oregon, where she pledged the sorority Gamma Phi Beta. She later transferred to California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a minor in Public Relations. This educational background gave her a strong foundation in communication, media, and business relations, which she leveraged throughout her career.

 

Cici's ​professional career has been diverse and dynamic, spanning multiple industries Corporate Sales & Management: She worked in industries including hospitality, transportation, and corporate leasing, holding roles at major companies such as SuperShuttle International, Disneyland, and a large furniture leasing company, where she managed a $30 million division and key accounts. A Real Estate & Negotiation: Recognizing her talent for negotiation and relationship-building, she obtained her real estate license and quickly excelled in the field, helping clients navigate complex transactions. Entrepreneurial Ventures: Furniture One “ A company specializing in ergonomic, lifetime-use chairs designed for comfort and functionality. "FAUX PAW “ A brand focused on pet-lover gifts and accessories, combining creativity with high-quality products. She also collaborated with a local artist to develop licensing programs, bringing unique and innovative products to major retailers.

 

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LindaMarie Santiago is a native Californian having been raised and schooled in northern California (Silicon Valley).  She graduated from Stanford University in 1983 with a BA in Political Science.  In addition, she holds various professional certifications from her involvement in the high technology, financial and real estate industries.

 

As Director of Operations for Next Step Forward, LindaMarie Santiago brings over 40+ years' professional experience to this role.  Having led large operational teams and projects throughout her career, she is skilled in the fields of human relations, legal and financial matters.  Her former employers include Metropolitan Life, Yahoo!, and VMware.  LindaMarie happily retired in 2024 and loves her "time affluence", being able to travel, focus on family and wellness, and fully enjoy her life on her own time.  

 

LindaMarie is the proud mother of three amazing adult children (and three stepchildren) and her greatest joy is visiting and spending time with each of them.  She is married and she and her husband split their time between their homes in Hawaii and California.  

 

LindaMarie has extensive experience participating on non-profit boards and alumni associations.  She has been past President of the Stanford San Francisco Alumni Club and the Stanford Professional Women's Club. She was a Director of The Global Uplift Project (TGUP), a global non-profit focused on helping the work's children learn by building small-scale, high impact education projects in the developing world.  She is still involved in TGUP as an adviser to the organization.  

 

She is passionate about mentoring and helping people and is honored to be able to assist Next Step Forward

Peter Curran, MSA, is an International sales and business development executive experienced in all
facets of business development and growth. He consistently excels at assisting, and building
organizations for Fortune 100s and startups. He is a recognized expert at building OEM and partner
relationships, he expands business and wellness in healthcare, manufacturing/commercial, scientific,
aerospace, federal government, military, and education markets, in NA, LATAM, and Eurasia. He is anauthor, talented negotiator, and has multi-award winning and record-breaking achievements.

Ms. Becker is an East Coast native. She attended University of Tennessee, where in 2004 she obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science, minor in Psychology. In 2006, she received her Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law.

Ms. Becker began her career at the Public Defender’s office in the 10th Circuit of Florida. She has represented and tried a wide array of criminal charges ranging from low level misdemeanors to felonies carrying life sentences.

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In 2010, Brandi transitioned into private practice. She continued to work in criminal defense but expanded her practice to include juvenile and family law. Ms. Becker has worked extensively with domestic relations issues such as delinquency, dependency, dissolution, custody, third-party rights, asset division, guardianships and protective orders. Ms. Becker’s passion for trial work coupled with her dedication to helping others led her to Romano Law.

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Ms. Becker is admitted to the Oregon, Tennessee, and Florida bar. She is a member of the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Oregon Association of Family Law Attorneys, Multnomah Bar Association and Oregon Trial Lawyers Association. Outside the office, she serves on the board of several non-profits and donates her time on projects for the betterment of our community. She also enjoys travel and time at the beach.

Peter Curran, MSA, is an International sales and business development executive experienced in all
facets of business development and growth. He consistently excels at assisting, and building
organizations for Fortune 100s and startups. He is a recognized expert at building OEM and partner
relationships, he expands business and wellness in healthcare, manufacturing/commercial, scientific,
aerospace, federal government, military, and education markets, in NA, LATAM, and Eurasia. He is anauthor, talented negotiator, and has multi-award winning and record-breaking achievements.

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His key honors include President of Georgetown Masters Program, Multiple Top Performance
Awards, a rank of top 10% in business school class; national/regional recognition in college
sports. Kaapa East Certification. Public Service includes: Cattle Baron’s ACS, Habitat for
Humanity, AF&AM, and other Global Healing Relief Causes. Curran has undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate training in accounting, finance,
economics, health & life sciences, political science, computing, negotiations, Spanish, business
(MSA), and government, at Georgetown University, and Southwest Baptist University. He has
Authored two books, and has been published on multiple occasions.

Kimberly Nutter  serves as the Director of Kindness on the board of Next Step Forward, brining her passion for education and community support to the organization.  She holds a bachelor's degree in physical education from Cal Poly Pomona and a master's degree in physical education from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

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A lifelong advocate for inclusivity and empowerment, Kim has dedicated her career to fostering postitive change.  Her background in physical education allows her to inspire others to take meaningful steps forward in their personal journeys. Through her role at Next Step Forward, she works to promote kindness, awareness, and support for individuals navigating challenges such as ataxia.

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Kim's compassionate approach and dedication to helping others align perfectly with the mission of Next Step Forward-creating a community were resilience and positivity thrive.

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