With over 30 years of experience in community development, education, and public policy, José Antonio Rico is a leader and educator who champions racial equity, human dignity, and social justice. He is the former Chair of the Board of Trustees at Northeastern Illinois University, where he helped shape the vision and direction of his alma mater, and the former SVP for Community Impact and Chief Partnership Officer at United Way of Metro Chicago, where he led strategic initiatives that improved the lives of individuals and entire neighborhoods.Rico is also the Founding Executive Director of Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Greater Chicago (TRHT), a national movement that seeks to heal the wounds of racism and create a more just and equitable society. As part of his role, he facilitated cross-sector collaborations, mobilized resources, and engaged diverse stakeholders in dialogue and action. Rico's passion for community and youth empowerment stems from his personal journey as an immigrant, teacher, and father who received support from family, neighbors, and mentors along the way. He has been recognized as an Obama Foundation Global Civic Leader, a Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow, and a recipient of the NFL Chicago Bears Hispanic Leadership Award. Rico is committed to building community, racial equity, and empathy in all his endeavors.