Hello! My name is Ricky.
I joined WildHub to begin a course on grant writing in conservation, but I also want to deepen my connections within the conservation community. WildHub serves as an excellent platform for this purpose.
Currently, I volunteer as a grant writer and researcher for several NGOs, including the J.A.C.K. Primate Sanctuary in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). My work focuses on species preservation, habitat protection, combating illegal wildlife trade, and developing community and educational programs.
While I am based in the Atlanta metro area of the United States, I have lived and worked in Europe, Africa, and South America.
I am a former attorney who has shifted my career to focus on conservation and artificial intelligence training. I am eager to immerse myself more deeply in conservation topics, particularly at the intersection of biosphere and species protection, expanding protected areas, enhancing neighboring communities through sustainable activities, and advancing the rights of Indigenous peoples. I am still exploring pathways that will help me achieve my goals. The next 25 years are likely to be the most consequential we have faced in conservation, and I cannot think of a more critical or worthwhile endeavor than this while I still have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
As a former attorney and executive, I bring a unique combination of legal and business expertise. I have transitioned from working in solo and small law firm practices and corporate counsel roles to pursuing freelance writing, teaching, consulting, and advisory positions that foster positive change. I hold a Juris Doctor degree and a Master's in International Business. Additionally, I have over seven years of experience teaching law and business at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, as well as providing professional development counseling to attorneys as a partner at the global law firm Baker McKenzie.
My commitment to conservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainability drives my career. I've successfully pursued nonprofit grant writing and research, including work with the JACK Primate Sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I further enhance my skills through bot training at Outlier AI, focusing on strengthening artificial intelligence (AI) for research, writing, and analytics.
I am dedicated to promoting nature conservation and sustainable development in biodiversity hotspots, particularly in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. I aim to integrate wildlife conservation with community-led economic programs while respecting Indigenous interests. My strengths include fundraising, grant writing, critical thinking, and expertise in contract and policy negotiation and drafting, particularly in the areas of sustainability and data privacy.
