At 16, Ricky's life changed forever when his brother was shot and became a quadriplegic. Taking on the role of caregiver at such a young age set him on a course toward medical stewardship and community service, a calling that would define his life's work. The early loss of both parents further deepened his understanding of life's fragility and the importance of human connection.

 

Ricky earned his Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) from Oakwood University, a historically Black college and university (HBCU), in 1991. He spent 10 years as an emergency room nurse at a Level One Trauma Center, where he developed deep expertise in high-acuity patient care. In 2003, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Indiana Wesleyan University, blending clinical knowledge with leadership and strategic insight.

 

For over three decades, Ricky worked as a Clinical Applications Specialist, serving as a vital bridge between informatics and medicine. His work has included physician liaison roles, project planning, implementation, follow-up, and troubleshooting within complex clinical environments.

 

In 2015, Ricky was diagnosed with MS, it was a moment that brought all of his life experiences into sharp focus. While his professional journey as a nurse, business graduate, and clinical specialist had shaped his skills, it was his MS journey that deepened his love for family and the precious moments with his grandchildren. This diagnosis became not an ending, but a beginning, the beginning of the Brother 2 Brother foundation.

 

Through Brother 2 Brother, Ricky focuses on helping others find that same sense of balance, community, and understanding that life's greatest value often lies beyond professional accomplishments. He continues to advocate for health equity, community support, and education for African American men navigating life with MS, bringing together three decades of clinical expertise with the hard-won wisdom of someone who truly understands the journey.