Born in Banes, Holguin, CUBA. Ricardo’s genuine passion for service has allowed him to serve under various professional organizations and fundraise over $4,000 to establish The Pay It Forward Scholarship dedicated to alleviating the financial burden of architecture students at his HBCU, Tuskegee University. Ricardo is a dedicated and respected Associate member of the AIA Austin chapter where he serves on the Board of Directors as Membership/Community Building Commissioner. Formerly Chapter President with AIAS at Texas A&M University, his service includes the Hip-Hop Architecture Camp in Austin, Thomas H. Keithley Lodge No. 45, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and the City of Austin’s Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Commission. In 2016, Ricardo was first recognized by his professional organizations as an emerging leader in the field of architecture. In March 2019, he was recognized as a finalist for Austin Under 40. In April 2019, Ricardo became an alumnus of the Leadership Austin’s Emerge Class of 2019 which recognizes emerging leaders in their respective avocations. In May 2019, he was recognized as AIA Austin's Associate of the Year for his contributions to the Chapter, the profession of architecture, and the community. In his spare time, Ricardo enjoys dancing and singing to Afro-Cuban folkloric music, Franco-Haitian, Rumba, and Salsa Casino!