At age 16, Ricky’s life changed dramatically when his brother was shot and left quadriplegic, leading Ricky to step into the role of caregiver at a young age

Early caregiving experience sparked a lifelong commitment to medical stewardship, service, and community support

Experienced the loss of both parents early in life, deepening his understanding of life’s fragility and the importance of human connection

Earned an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) from Oakwood University (HBCU) in 1991

Served 10 years as an Emergency Room nurse at a Level One Trauma Center, gaining extensive experience in high-acuity patient care

Earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2003, blending clinical expertise with leadership and strategic planning

Worked for over 30 years as a Clinical Applications Specialist, serving as a bridge between healthcare informatics and clinical medicine

Held responsibilities including physician liaison work, project planning, system implementation, follow-up, and troubleshooting in complex clinical environments

Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2015, a pivotal moment that brought clarity and renewed purpose

MS journey deepened his commitment to family, community, and the value of presence—especially time spent with his grandchildren

Founded Brother 2 Brother as a response to lived experience, not limitation

Through Brother 2 Brother, focuses on fostering balance, community, and understanding for African American men living with MS

Actively advocates for health equity, education, and culturally relevant support systems

Combines three decades of clinical expertise with the lived perspective of someone personally navigating MS