Ricardo Torres

1993

Ricardo Torres

Project LEEO

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Community Improvement & Economic Development, Education & Youth Leadership

The Bold Idea:

Project Leadership, Education and Employment Opportunities (LEEO) served to mobilize and re-direct the power of young men in order to improve their lives, support their families and strengthen their communities. LEEO carried out this mission by working with at-risk young men, ages 16-25. In addition to providing leadership development, service opportunities and education, LEEO focused on preparing these young men to participate in national service organizations such as City Year, Public Allies and YouthBuild. Although LEEO is no longer in existence, the organization did demonstrate a positive and measurable impact, which is evident by the financial and non-financial support currently provided by governments, foundations, corporations and individuals.  However, this level of awareness and support was made possible because of the initial “seed investment” provided by Echoing Green.

Biography:

Ricardo Torres brings over 20 years of experience as a social entrepreneur and started his career working with national organizations during their start-up years, such as the City Volunteer Corps, City Year, YouthBuild and Public Allies.    

From 1994-1999, Ricardo was the executive director and co-founder of Project LEEO. In 1999, Ricardo ventured off on his own and started a consulting firm called Venture~Preneur Consulting, where he focused on capacity-building strategies for both nonprofits and small business entrepreneurs. In this role, Ricardo helped his clients to start nonprofits and businesses, improve operations and increase revenues. Currently, Ricardo works as a Program Officer for the Corporation for National and Community Service-AmeriCorps, which is the largest funder of service and volunteering in America. In this role, Ricardo works with several states and Governors to ensure that Americans of all ages and backgrounds are provided the opportunity to give back to their communities and nation.

Ricardo holds a business degree in Entrepreneurship and Technology from the University of Miami.