A son of working-class immigrants, Ricky grew up in rural North Carolina and is a product of public schools. Working two jobs in high school while juggling school and sports, Ricky strived to achieve a dream familiar to many North Carolinians: to go to college and get a good job to be able to support his family. A first-generation college student, Ricky's dream finally came true. At UNC-Chapel Hill, he mentored other high school students who grew up in similar circumstances and were working hard to make their own dreams come true.

Today, Ricky is an instructor at UNC-Chapel Hill and the Co-Executive Director of an education initiative supporting first-generation college students and immigrant families break down barriers to educational opportunity, he is fighting to make sure everyone that invests in North Carolina has a fair shot to thrive in North Carolina.

Ricky's leadership in the community does not end there. He serves on the steering committee for Alamance Achieves, an innovative education initiative in Alamance County; is Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for NC Child, a statewide child advocacy organization; is a Commissioner for MyFutureNC, a commission to advance college attainment and workforce development across North Carolina; and is a member of the Board of Directors of the United Way of North Carolina.