Richard  is a first-generation Mexican American and the first in his family to attend college — and also the first to experience incarceration. Growing up in San Bernardino, Richard faced the challenges of gang culture, poverty, and a lack of positive role models. At 16, he entered the juvenile system, burdened with face tattoos that would later impact his ability to reenter society. But through education and support programs, Richard began to see a different path forward. His turning point came through Loma Linda's tattoo removal program, where he met Tasha Nichole, a Community Health Worker whose leadership and compassion inspired him to pursue social work.

Today, Richard is a Community Health Worker with Loma Linda’s Violence Intervention & Prevention team and is working toward his Master of Social Work. He mentors youth in detention centers, speaks at schools, and shares his story to show others that transformation is possible. His journey — once defined by struggle — is now focused on service, healing, and giving back. Genuinely Me played a crucial role in helping him reclaim his purpose, and he now strives to be that same source of light for others navigating similar challenges.

Richard believes that social work is more than problem-solving— it’s about offering people the chance to be seen, heard, and supported when they’re ready. With lived experience and a heart for advocacy, he continues to break cycles and create space for others to grow beyond their circumstances.