Alumni Spotlight: Ricardo "Rico" Grant

Building Dreams from the Roots Up

For Ricardo “Rico” Grant, growing up in Cincinnati’s Avondale neighborhood wasn’t just about learning the rhythms of his community, it was about discovering the foundation that would shape his future. Today, Rico is a successful entrepreneur, educator and community builder, but the roots of his journey stretch back to the days he spent at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati. His story is one of passion, purpose and the power of exposure, proof of what can happen when a young person is given the tools and support to imagine more. 

Foundation in Family and Community 

Rico’s early years were spent in a close-knit, working-class neighborhood with a strong sense of community. “We didn’t have a Black middle class then,” he recalls. “But the neighborhood was family driven.” His summers were filled with sports, neighborhood friends and enriching days at the Boys & Girls Club near his grandmother’s home. 

“The Club was everything in the summer,” Rico says. “We’d be there all day playing games, swimming, having lunch together. It was heavily programmed and full of energy.” That structure, paired with the sense of belonging the Club fostered, left a lasting impression. He remembers making friends from different parts of Avondale and learning to step outside of his comfort zone. “Those experiences helped me develop socially. I had to integrate and connect with kids I didn’t know. It built confidence.” 

A Broader Worldview 

From his time at Clifton Elementary, a uniquely diverse public school, through his transition to Princeton High School and then Batavia High School in rural Ohio, Rico's educational path exposed him to different cultures and communities. “At Clifton, I was surrounded by kids whose parents were PhD students from all over the world. It opened my eyes,” he says. “Later, going to school in Batavia, I became one of just a few African American students. It was a shift, but it taught me how to navigate different environments.” 

His work ethic took root early. At age 14, Rico landed his first job at Kings Island, followed by summers at the Cincinnati Zoo. Before that, he was already raking leaves, shoveling snow and saving up for the things that mattered to him. “Hard work was always in me,” he says. “It came from my family. Everyone worked with their hands, woke up early and got things done.” 

From Vision to Venture 

After studying Criminal Justice and Africana Studies at the University of Cincinnati, Rico initially planned to become a civil rights attorney. But after exploring law school, he realized that path wasn’t aligned with his long-term goals. Instead, he entered the corporate world, working for several major companies across different industries and gaining experience in business operations, marketing and leadership. 

Throughout this time, Rico never stopped thinking creatively. He traveled frequently for work, spending time in major cultural hubs like Atlanta and Los Angeles. “I got to see what makes those cities thrive and how they bring people together through art, culture and inclusivity,” he says. “It made me realize what Cincinnati could be.” 

That realization turned into action. In 2018, he returned home with a renewed mission to create spaces that elevate culture, foster connection and celebrate community. He began building a diverse portfolio of businesses in Cincinnati’s urban core. Spaces that blend hospitality, art, entertainment and entrepreneurship. Each concept he’s launched serves a unique purpose, but all are rooted in creating meaningful experiences for people from all walks of life. 

From social lounges that highlight cultural moments, to multifunctional venues that double as creative spaces, to events that celebrate Black and Brown voices; Rico’s work is reshaping what it means to gather and build community in Cincinnati. 

Educating the Next Generation 

In addition to his business ventures, Rico serves as the Executive Director of an entrepreneurship program at Northern Kentucky University, where he helps mentor and develop young innovators. His focus is on providing real-world tools and insights to help students turn ideas into sustainable ventures. 

“I’ve always believed in the power of imagination,” he says. “But imagination needs structure. It needs guidance. That’s what I try to provide because that’s what I was given.” 

Rico also runs a nonprofit initiative that provides grants and resources to support Black and Brown entrepreneurs in the region. Through this work, he’s helping to close the gap in access to capital, offering others the kind of support that can make all the difference in launching a dream. 

The Lasting Impact of the Club 

While Rico’s career has taken him far, the values he carries were shaped in those early days at the Boys & Girls Club. “I don’t remember every name, but I remember how it felt,” he says. “The staff were young, passionate and positive. It felt like family. That’s the energy I try to bring to my businesses now. We run them with care, like a family. There’s laughter, there’s struggle but there’s always support.” 

He credits the Club with helping him develop the mindset to build beyond his surroundings. “When I started taking the Metro across the city, it opened my eyes. The Club helped me imagine something bigger. Now that I’m in a position to build, I bring that same spirit with me.” 

Coming Full Circle 

From the streets of Avondale to the frontlines of Cincinnati’s cultural and entrepreneurial revitalization, Rico Grant is living proof of what happens when opportunity meets ambition. He hasn’t forgotten where he came from, he’s just expanded the blueprint. 

“I’d be naïve to say those summers at the Boys & Girls Club didn’t shape me,” he says. “They absolutely did. And now I try to create spaces that do the same for others.” 

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our “Alumni Spotlights” series—highlighting the journeys of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati alumni who are building brighter futures for themselves and their communities. 

To learn more about how you can support the new club, visit bgcgc.org. For more information on how to support the “A New Generation” campaign, visit bgcgc.org/capitalcampaign.