When Ricardo was a young boy growing up in St. Albans, Queens, he never planned on pursuing a career in education or opening up a nonprofit organization one day. He was happily working as a counselor in his neighborhood’s afterschool program and debating whether to attend school to become a pharmacist or an x-ray technician. Ricardo’s path in life would drastically change when his friend and mentor, Chris, helped him see the potential to teach others that he couldn’t see in himself.
RICARDO
THIRD & FOURTH GRADE TEACHER AF APOLLO ELEMENTARY
Chris noticed that Ricardo was a natural, empathetic educator and suggested he go to Howard University to study education. It was during his time at Howard that Ricardo developed his passion for equity and education. He’d never heard of Howard or an HBCU and thought—could a kid from “the hood” succeed at such a prestigious college? The answer was a resounding yes. He was surrounded by so many successful people of color from all different backgrounds. It was awe-inspiring for Ricardo to be among academically and professionally thriving peers who looked like him and were from similar neighborhoods. He never thought this would be a possibility, but Chris had seen his potential. While walking home one day, Ricardo reflected on how he wouldn’t have made it to Howard if someone didn’t give him a roadmap on how to get there. He thought about the countless others in his neighborhood who have the talent and intellect to achieve greatness but lack guidance or role models. That’s when Ricardo decided he would be a mentor and guide for other students. Shortly after, he founded a nonprofit, H.O.O.D Educators (Holding On to Our Dreams through Education), which provides low-income families with resources and access to college tours to help students understand the options before them. Now a teacher at AF Apollo Elementary, Ricardo is helping his students achieve their potential much like Chris did for him. He wants to be the kind of teacher who evokes change in this community and brings out the best in his students. As for his legacy, Ricardo wants his students to remember him as an authentic teacher who was part of their community and someone who was always rooting for them.
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