Richie W. is a self-defined, "Seven of all Trades;" a title that describes his modesty and emphasis on growth. Fueled by his need to create, he uses his experience in carpentry, web programming, bicycles, music production, photography and filmography, and business development on projects designed to push social justice and equity forward in innovative ways.

Richie believes many Americans never reach their full potential, and, with hardwork and discipline, anyone can improve their situation and showcase their personal genius. His ideology stems from his experiences in public education. Growing up, Richie noticed the self esteem his peers exhibited largely correlated to the quality of education they received and how smart they were considered. As an adult, Richie noticed that people who received high quality educations and were considered, "smart," by the people around them, completed college, found high paying jobs, and enjoyed safe lives at higher rates than people who had poor educations and were made to feel dumb. In the people that were made to feel dumb, Richie noticed higher rates of drug use, crime as a profession, and general disregard for one's life.

All this considered, Richie also noticed hidden genius. Many of his peers that sold drugs demonstrated a high proficiency in many business-related skills and an affinity for (and oftentimes a love for) algebra and calculus. His friends that abused drugs showed skills that would make them fit in at labs and pharmacies. Many of his other friends were talented musicians, writers, designers, thinkers, speakers, builders, engineers, and so on and so forth. These friends, however, did not have the self esteem that comes with having the tools to reach one's potential given to them at a young age, nor did these friends have the self esteem that comes with their communities telling them they are smart enough to reach their full potential.

That is what drives Richie. Having grown up in an environment where he was nurtured by the community and another where he was treated like an armed bomb, Richie knows the importance of self esteem, and works to reach his full potential to show others they can, too. Today, Richie spends his time working on several projects: real estate, science fiction, and music to name a few. His hope is to inspire others to see themselves in a new light and work to reach their full potential. His belief is that as more Americans start living happy, and fulfilled lives, America will become great in a manner it has never been for all Americans.

Richie is excited to meet and collaborate with as many like-minded people as possible. Feel free to contact him with any ideas, invitations, or questions in the form below.